Which statement describes the spindle apparatus during telophase and cytokinesis?

• A. It disassembles and disappears
• B. It becomes more complex
• C. It moves to the center of the cell
• D. It remains as it was initially

Answer: (A)

During telophase and cytokinesis the spindle apparatus breaks down. As chromosomes reach the poles, the microtubules that formed the spindle depolymerize and the spindle disassembles, making way for the reformation of the two new nuclei around the chromosome sets. This dismantling aligns with the cell’s shift from chromosome separation to division of the cytoplasm, which is driven by the contractile ring forming a cleavage furrow. The spindle is no longer needed once chromosomes are in place and cytokinesis begins, so it does not become more complex, move to the center, or stay as it was.