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Multiple Choice
Sister chromatids are separated from each other during which of the following phases of mitosis?
A
Prophase
B
Metaphase
C
Telophase
D
Anaphase
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. Sister chromatids are not separated at this stage.
In metaphase, the chromosomes align at the metaphase plate, but the sister chromatids remain attached to each other at the centromere.
During anaphase, the centromeres split, and the spindle fibers pull the sister chromatids apart toward opposite poles of the cell. This is the phase where sister chromatids are separated.
In telophase, the separated chromatids reach the opposite poles, and the cell begins to divide, but the separation of sister chromatids has already occurred in anaphase.