Telophase 1 vs. Telophase 2 — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on December 18, 2023
Telophase 1 concludes the first meiotic division with two haploid cells. Telophase 2 completes the second meiotic division, resulting in four genetically distinct haploid cells.
Difference Between Telophase 1 and Telophase 2
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Key Differences
Telophase 1 and Telophase 2 are crucial stages in meiosis, a type of cell division responsible for producing gametes. While both play terminating roles in their respective divisions, their outcomes are distinct.
Telophase 1 is the concluding phase of meiosis I. At this stage, the separated homologous chromosomes reach the opposite poles of the cell. Cytokinesis subsequently occurs, producing two haploid cells. On the contrary, Telophase 2 is the final stage of meiosis II, where sister chromatids have separated and reached the opposite poles, followed by cytokinesis that produces four non-identical haploid cells.
The primary distinction between Telophase 1 and Telophase 2 lies in the genetic constitution of the resultant cells. After Telophase 1, the two cells have a mix of maternal and paternal genes, but they still contain two chromatids. After Telophase 2, each of the four cells possesses a unique set of genes with one chromatid.
Another difference to note is the preceding events. Telophase 1 follows the separation of homologous chromosomes, ensuring genetic variation. In contrast, Telophase 2 follows the separation of sister chromatids, akin to what happens during mitosis but with haploid cells.
From an evolutionary perspective, the processes of Telophase 1 and Telophase 2 are vital for genetic diversity. While both phases finalize the divisions they're part of, Telophase 1 sets the stage for the further genetic reshuffling in meiosis II, which Telophase 2 concludes.
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Comparison Chart
Part of
Meiosis I
Meiosis II
Resulting Cells
Two haploid cells
Four genetically distinct haploid cells
Preceding Event
Separation of homologous chromosomes
Separation of sister chromatids
Chromatids per Chromosome
Two
One
Importance
Introduces genetic variation by separating homologous pairs
Increases genetic diversity by producing unique haploid cells
Compare with Definitions
Telophase 1
Results in two non-identical haploid cells.
Telophase 1 ends with cytokinesis producing two haploid cells.
Telophase 2
Comparable to mitotic telophase but in haploid cells.
Though similar to mitosis, Telophase 2 happens with half the chromosome number.
Telophase 1
The stage following anaphase I.
After homologous chromosomes separate, they settle during Telophase 1.
Telophase 2
Culminates in four genetically unique haploid cells.
Four distinct cells are the outcome of Telophase 2.
Telophase 1
The final phase of meiosis I.
Telophase 1 concludes the first division in meiosis.
Telophase 2
The concluding phase of meiosis II.
Telophase 2 finalizes the meiotic process.
Telophase 1
A phase ensuring genetic diversity.
Genetic reshuffling is evident after Telophase 1 due to crossing over.
Telophase 2
Follows anaphase II in sequence.
Post the separation of sister chromatids, Telophase 2 ensues.
Telophase 1
Precedes meiosis II.
After Telophase 1, the cell progresses to the second meiotic division.
Common Curiosities
How does Telophase 2 differ?
Telophase 2 ends meiosis II, producing four genetically distinct haploid cells.
What follows after Telophase 1?
After Telophase 1, meiosis II begins.
What is Telophase 1?
It's the concluding stage of meiosis I, resulting in two haploid cells.
Which phase produces more cells, Telophase 1 or Telophase 2?
Telophase 2 produces more cells, specifically four haploid cells.
Do both phases ensure genetic diversity?
Yes, both introduce genetic variation, but at different steps of meiosis.
Which phase introduces more genetic variability?
Both play a role, but Telophase 1 follows significant genetic reshuffling.
What’s the chromosome count in cells after Telophase 1?
They are haploid but have chromatids that are yet to separate.
Which cells have two chromatids post the phases?
Cells post Telophase 1 still have two chromatids per chromosome.
Are the cells post Telophase 2 identical?
No, they're genetically distinct.
Is crossing over relevant to Telophase 2?
No, crossing over occurs before Telophase 1 during prophase I.
Is Telophase 1 more like mitosis or meiosis II?
Telophase 1 is unique but shares some similarities with mitosis.
Do both phases use the same spindle apparatus?
No, each meiotic division assembles its spindle apparatus.
Which is the last stage of the entire meiotic process?
Telophase 2 is the last stage of meiosis.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
