Question

List several ways in which telophase appears to be the reverse of prophase and prometaphase.

Short answer

Telophase appears to be the reverse of prophase and prometaphase in the following ways: 1. The chromosomes, which condense during prophase and prometaphase, decondense back into chromatin. 2. The nuclear envelope, which begins to break down in prophase and disappears in prometaphase, reforms during telophase. 3. The spindle fibers that form and attach to chromosomes in prophase and prometaphase, disassemble during telophase.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Prophase and Prometaphase

In prophase, the chromatin condenses into distinct chromosomes. Additionally, the mitotic spindle begins to form and the nuclear envelope starts to disintegrate. In prometaphase, the nuclear envelope disappears completely, allowing the chromosomes to attach to spindle fibers.

Understanding Telophase

During telophase, these changes that took place in prophase and prometaphase are reversed. For instance, the chromosomes decondense and the nuclear envelope re-forms.

Listing the Ways in Which Telophase is the Reverse of Prophase and Prometaphase

1. Chromosome Decondensation: Whereas chromosomes were condensed into visible structures during prophase and prometaphase, they decondense back into chromatin during telophase. 2. Nuclear Envelope: The nuclear envelope starts to disintegrate in prophase and disappears completely in prometaphase. During telophase, the nuclear envelope reforms around the chromatin. 3. Mitotic Spindle: The spindle fibers that attach to the chromosomes in prometaphase start to disassemble in telophase.