What signifies the end of mitosis?

The end of mitosis is signified by the gathering of chromosomes on either side of the cell. During mitosis, especially in the final phase known as telophase, the separated chromatids, now individual chromosomes, move to opposite poles of the cell. As the cell progresses through this phase, the chromosomes start to decondense and a nuclear membrane begins to reform around each set of chromosomes, ultimately leading to two distinct nuclei in the cells.

This gathering marks the final steps in the mitotic process, facilitating the transition to cytokinesis, where the cell divides into two daughter cells. While the formation of two diploid daughter cells refers to the completion of the entire cell division process, the specific event that signifies the conclusion of mitosis itself is the arrangement and gathering of chromosomes at the poles. Understanding this sequence is crucial, as it highlights the key steps that ensure accurate genetic distribution during cell division.