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Multiple Choice
The sister chromatids of a chromosome fully separate during _________ of mitosis.
A
metaphase
B
anaphase
C
telophase
D
prophase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the process of mitosis, which is the division of a cell's nucleus into two identical nuclei. Mitosis consists of several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Step 2: Recall the role of sister chromatids. Sister chromatids are identical copies of a chromosome that are connected by a centromere. During mitosis, these chromatids must separate to ensure each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.
Step 3: Review the events of each phase of mitosis:
- Prophase: Chromosomes condense and spindle fibers begin to form.
- Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate.
- Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled apart by spindle fibers to opposite poles of the cell.
- Telophase: Chromosomes decondense and nuclear envelopes reform around the separated chromatids.
Step 4: Focus on anaphase. During anaphase, the centromeres split, and the spindle fibers pull the sister chromatids apart, fully separating them and moving them to opposite poles of the cell.
Step 5: Conclude that the sister chromatids fully separate during anaphase of mitosis, as this is the phase where the physical separation occurs.