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Multiple Choice
During which phase of mitosis do the sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles?
A
Prophase
B
Anaphase
C
Metaphase
D
Telophase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of mitosis, which is the division of a eukaryotic cell's nucleus into two genetically identical nuclei. 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 align at the cell's equatorial plane, known as the metaphase plate. The spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the sister chromatids.
Anaphase is the phase where the sister chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers. The centromeres split, and the chromatids, now individual chromosomes, move toward opposite poles of the cell.
Finally, in telophase, the chromosomes reach the poles, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, resulting in two separate nuclei. This is followed by cytokinesis, which divides the cytoplasm, completing cell division.