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Multiple Choice
In what stage of mitosis are the sister chromatids pulled apart?
A
Anaphase
B
Telophase
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 stages: 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 the sister chromatids are not yet separated.
In metaphase, the chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, known as the metaphase plate. The sister chromatids are still 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 stage where the separation of sister chromatids occurs.
Finally, in telophase, the separated chromatids reach the opposite poles, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, which begin to de-condense back into chromatin.