Final answer:
Prophase is a stage where chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down, while telophase is where chromosomes decondense, nuclear envelopes reform around the separated chromosomes, completing the division of the nucleus. The correct relationship between these phases is that the nuclear membrane disintegrates in prophase and re-forms in telophase.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between prophase and telophase in cell division involves a reversal of processes. During prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope starts to disintegrate. Spindle fibers also begin to form as the cell prepares to separate its chromosomes. Conversely, in telophase, the chromosomes that have been separated arrive at the cell poles and begin to decondense back into chromatin, and new nuclear envelopes form around each set of chromosomes at the poles, completing the division of the nucleus.
Thus, the correct statement describing the relationship between these phases is: D. The nuclear membrane forms in telophase and breaks down in prophase.