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telophase

/ˈtɛləˌfeɪz/
IPA guide

Telophase is the last step of cell division, when chromosomes move in opposite directions so two new cells can be formed from one.

When a cell is finishing the process of meiosis or mitosis, it goes through a phase in which it's basically getting ready to split into two new cells — telophase. This stage of cell division gets its name from the Greek telos, "end." During telophase, nuclear membranes form around the divided chromosomes, and the cell walls start to divide, splitting down the middle.

Definitions of telophase
  1. noun
    the final stage of meiosis when the chromosomes move toward opposite ends of the nuclear spindle
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    type of:
    phase of cell division
    a stage in meiosis or mitosis
  2. noun
    the final stage of mitosis
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    type of:
    phase of cell division
    a stage in meiosis or mitosis
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