During which phase of mitosis are two nuclei formed?

• A. Metaphase
• B. Anaphase
• C. Telophase
• D. Prophase

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of mitosis, which is the division of a single cell into two genetically identical daughter cells. Mitosis consists of several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
2. Recognize that during prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the mitotic spindle begins to form. The nuclear envelope starts to break down, but no new nuclei are formed yet.
3. In metaphase, the chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, known as the metaphase plate. The spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes, but the nuclei are not formed at this stage.
4. During anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles of the cell. This is a critical step for ensuring that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes, but the nuclei are still not formed.
5. Finally, in telophase, the chromosomes reach the opposite poles and begin to de-condense back into chromatin. The nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, resulting in the formation of two distinct nuclei, marking the completion of mitosis.