What happens during the telophase stage of mitosis?

During telophase, the key events include the reformation of the nuclear membrane around each set of separated sister chromatids, which are now at opposite poles of the cell. This is critical because it marks the near completion of the mitotic process, allowing the genetic material to be enclosed within distinct nuclei. Additionally, the DNA that was tightly coiled into chromosomes begins to loosen, transitioning back into the less condensed form known as chromatin. This allows the genetic material to be accessible for the processes of DNA replication and gene expression in the subsequent interphase.

The other processes associated with mitosis occur in different phases. For instance, the alignment of chromosomes in the center occurs during metaphase, chromatin condensation into visible chromosomes takes place in prophase, and the splitting of centromeres occurs during anaphase. Thus, the reformation of the nuclear membrane and loosening of DNA is the defining characteristic of telophase.