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Multiple Choice
During which of the following phases do centromeres divide?
A
Telophase
B
Prophase
C
Metaphase
D
Anaphase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of mitosis, which is the division of a cell nucleus into two genetically identical nuclei. Mitosis consists of several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Recall that during prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible, but centromeres do not divide at this stage.
In metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, but centromeres remain intact, holding sister chromatids together.
During anaphase, the centromeres divide, allowing sister chromatids to separate and move toward opposite poles of the cell. This is the key event that distinguishes anaphase from other phases.
Finally, in telophase, the separated chromatids reach the poles, and the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes, but centromeres have already divided in the previous phase, anaphase.