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Multiple Choice
During which phase of mitosis do sister chromatids move apart?
A
Telophase
B
Anaphase
C
Metaphase
D
Prophase
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 breaks down, but sister chromatids are not yet separated.
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, but they remain together at this stage.
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 move apart.
In telophase, the separated chromatids, now individual chromosomes, reach the poles of the cell. The nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, and the chromosomes begin to de-condense back into chromatin.