During telophase, what happens to the chromosomes' visibility under light microscopy?

• A. They become more condensed and visible
• B. They de-condense and become less visible
• C. They duplicate and separate
• D. They migrate to the center

Answer: (B)

During telophase, the chromosomes stop being tightly packed and begin to de-condense back into less organized chromatin as the cell ends division and reforms the nucleus. Because they loosen their structure, they no longer appear as the distinct, condensed chromosomes seen earlier; they become thread-like and blend with the surrounding nuclear material, making them less visible under light microscopy. This contrasts with earlier stages where condensation produces clearly visible chromosomes. The reformation of the nuclear envelope accompanies this change, signaling a return toward interphase.