1. Chromosome Position:
- Anaphase: During anaphase, the sister chromatids of each chromosome have separated and are moving toward opposite poles of the cell. The cell is at its widest point as the chromosomes align along the equator of the cell.
- Telophase: In telophase, the separated sister chromatids have reached their respective poles and are beginning to decondense. They start to form into individual, distinct chromosomes.
2. Nuclear Envelope:
- Anaphase: The nuclear envelope, which surrounds the nucleus, has broken down during anaphase, allowing the mitotic spindle fibers to interact with the chromosomes.
- Telophase: In telophase, the nuclear envelope begins to reform around each of the two sets of chromosomes at opposite ends of the cell.
3. Chromosomes Structure:
- Anaphase: The chromosomes are highly condensed and visible as distinct X-shaped structures during anaphase.
- Telophase: In telophase, the chromosomes start to decondense and lose their distinct shapes, becoming less visible as individual structures.
4. Spindle Fibers:
- Anaphase: The spindle fibers, which help separate the chromosomes, are fully formed and attached to the kinetochores of the chromosomes during anaphase.
- Telophase: In telophase, the spindle fibers are still present but start to disassemble as the chromosomes reach the poles and the nuclear envelope reforms.
5. Cell Shape:
- Anaphase: The cell is typically elongated and at its widest point during anaphase.
- Telophase: In telophase, the cell starts to round up as the nuclear envelopes form around the separated sets of chromosomes.
6. Purpose:
- Anaphase: The purpose of anaphase is to separate the sister chromatids and ensure that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes.
- Telophase: The purpose of telophase is to complete the process of chromosome segregation, reform the nuclear envelopes, and prepare the cell for cytokinesis (division of the cytoplasm) in the next phase (cytokinesis).
In summary, the main differences between a cell at the end of anaphase and telophase are related to the completion of chromosome segregation, the reformation of the nuclear envelope, and the changes in chromosome structure and cell shape.
