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Multiple Choice
During which phase of mitosis do the sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles?
A
Anaphase
B
Prophase
C
Metaphase
D
Telophase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding 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.
In prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the mitotic spindle begins to form. The nuclear envelope starts to break down.
During metaphase, the chromosomes align at the metaphase plate, which is the equatorial plane of the cell. The spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.
Anaphase is the phase where the sister chromatids are pulled apart. The spindle fibers shorten, pulling the chromatids toward opposite poles of the cell. This separation ensures that each new cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.
Finally, in telophase, the chromatids reach the poles, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, which begin to de-condense back into chromatin. This is followed by cytokinesis, where the cell splits into two daughter cells.