Question

the unlettered circle at the top of the figure above shows a diploid nucleus with four chromosomes that have not yet replicated. there are two pairs of homologous chromosomes, one long and the other short. one haploid set is black, and the other is gray. the circles labeled a-e show various combinations of these chromosomes. which image displays the chromosomal composition of one daughter nucleus at telophase of mitosis?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall telophase of mitosis characteristics

In telophase of mitosis, chromosomes de - condense, nuclear envelopes reform. Each daughter nucleus has the same chromosome composition as the parent cell (diploid if parent was diploid). The chromosomes are no longer in a highly condensed, paired (like in metaphase) or separated (like in anaphase) state.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option A: Shows chromosomes in a de - condensed state, single (not paired as in prophase/metaphase of mitosis or meiosis). This is consistent with the chromosome composition of a daughter nucleus at telophase of mitosis.
• Option B: Chromosomes are still in a condensed, complex arrangement (looks like prophase or early metaphase where chromosomes are condensing and pairing is not characteristic of mitotic telophase).
• Option C: Chromosomes are paired (homologous chromosomes paired which is characteristic of meiosis I prophase, not mitotic telophase).
• Option D: Shows a complex arrangement of chromosomes (possibly metaphase of meiosis I with homologous chromosomes paired at the metaphase plate).
• Option E: The chromosome arrangement and state (some look like they are in an abnormal or non - telophase mitotic state).

Answer:

A. Option A