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Multiple Choice
During which phase of mitosis are the sister chromatids lined up on the equator of the cell?
A
Telophase
B
Anaphase
C
Prophase
D
Metaphase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of mitosis, which is the division of a single cell into two genetically identical daughter cells. Mitosis consists of several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Recall that during prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the mitotic spindle begins to form. The nuclear envelope also starts to break down.
In metaphase, the chromosomes, which have been duplicated and consist of two sister chromatids, align at the metaphase plate, an imaginary line equidistant from the two spindle poles. This alignment ensures that each daughter cell will receive one copy of each chromosome.
During anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers and move toward opposite poles of the cell. This separation ensures that each new cell will have the same number of chromosomes.
Finally, in telophase, the chromosomes arrive at the poles, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, resulting in two separate nuclei within the cell. The cell is then ready to complete division through cytokinesis.