What happens during telophase I that distinguishes it from telophase in mitosis?

During telophase I of meiosis, the key distinguishing feature is that meiosis II begins immediately without a traditional interphase. In telophase I, homologous chromosomes have been separated into two daughter cells, and the nuclear membranes may reform around the separated sets of chromosomes, but the critical point is that the cells do not undergo a full interphase to replicate their DNA again before entering meiosis II.

In contrast, during mitosis, there is a clear distinction between the phases; after telophase, the cells typically enter interphase, where the DNA is replicated, preparing for the next round of division. This lack of interphase in meiosis II allows for the reduction of chromosome number, a fundamental aspect of sexual reproduction, resulting in haploid gametes from diploid cells. This difference in the cell cycle progression highlights the unique nature of meiosis compared to mitosis.