During telophase of mitosis, _____ occurs. During cytokinesis, _____ occurs.

• A. the nuclear envelope breaks down; spindle fibers attach to kinetochores
• B. chromosomes align at the metaphase plate; sister chromatids separate
• C. DNA replicates; chromosomes condense
• D. chromosomes decondense; the cytoplasm divides

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the stages of mitosis: Mitosis is divided into several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis. Each phase has specific events that occur to ensure proper cell division.
2. Focus on telophase: During telophase, the chromosomes that were separated during anaphase begin to decondense, meaning they return to a less tightly packed, more relaxed state. Additionally, the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes, creating two separate nuclei.
3. Understand cytokinesis: Cytokinesis is the process that follows mitosis and involves the division of the cytoplasm. This results in the formation of two distinct daughter cells, each with its own nucleus and cytoplasmic contents.
4. Match the descriptions to the correct events: The phrase 'chromosomes decondense' corresponds to telophase, while 'the cytoplasm divides' corresponds to cytokinesis. These are the key events for each respective stage.
5. Conclude the correct answer: Based on the descriptions provided, the correct answer is 'chromosomes decondense; the cytoplasm divides,' as these events accurately describe telophase and cytokinesis, respectively.