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Multiple Choice
At which phase of mitosis do the sister chromatids become daughter chromosomes?
A
Metaphase
B
Prophase
C
Anaphase
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.
In prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the mitotic spindle begins to form. The nuclear envelope starts to break down.
During metaphase, the chromosomes align at the metaphase plate, which is an imaginary line equidistant from the two spindle poles. The sister chromatids are still attached to each other at this stage.
In anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers and move toward opposite poles of the cell. This separation transforms the sister chromatids into individual daughter 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. The chromosomes begin to de-condense back into chromatin.