Replicated chromosomes have four telomeres each in prophase

Steps:

• The diploid cell has 32 chromosomes, each replicated into two sister chromatids by prophase of mitosis.
• Each sister chromatid is a linear DNA molecule with two telomeres, one at each end.
• Therefore, each chromosome has 4 telomeres (2 chromatids × 2 telomeres each).
• Total telomeres: 32 chromosomes × 4 = 128.

Why D is correct:

• Each replicated chromosome consists of two sister chromatids, each with two telomeres at its ends, yielding 4 per chromosome and 128 total.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Counts one telomere per chromosome, ignoring both replication and dual ends.
• B: Counts two telomeres per chromosome, accurate for unreplicated state but not prophase after DNA replication.
• C: Yields no logical biological count based on chromosome structure or replication.

Final answer: D