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Multiple Choice
During which phase of mitosis are sister chromatids separated from each other?
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 eukaryotic cell's nucleus into two genetically identical nuclei. Mitosis consists of several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Recall that sister chromatids are identical copies of a chromosome, connected by a centromere, and they are crucial for accurate genetic replication and distribution during cell division.
In prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the mitotic spindle begins to form, but sister chromatids are not yet separated.
During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, known as the metaphase plate, but sister chromatids remain attached to each other.
In anaphase, the centromeres split, and the spindle fibers pull the sister chromatids apart toward opposite poles of the cell, effectively separating them. This is the phase where sister chromatids are separated from each other.