Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
During which phase of mitosis are sister chromatids pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell?
A
Anaphase
B
Prophase
C
Telophase
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 sister chromatids are identical copies of a chromosome connected by a centromere. During mitosis, these chromatids need to be separated to ensure each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.
Review the characteristics of each phase of mitosis: Prophase involves the condensation of chromatin into visible chromosomes and the formation of the mitotic spindle. Metaphase is characterized by the alignment of chromosomes along the metaphase plate. Anaphase is when sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell. Telophase involves the reformation of the nuclear envelope around the separated sets of chromosomes.
Focus on anaphase, where the key event is the separation of sister chromatids. The spindle fibers shorten, pulling the chromatids apart toward opposite poles of the cell.
Conclude that the phase during which sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles is anaphase, as this is the defining event of this phase in mitosis.