Table of contents

1. Overview of Cell Biology2h 49m
2. Chemical Components of Cells1h 14m
3. Energy1h 33m
4. DNA, Chromosomes, and Genomes2h 31m
5. DNA to RNA to Protein2h 31m
6. Proteins1h 36m
7. Gene Expression1h 42m
8. Membrane Structure1h 4m
- The Lipid Bilayer
  38m
- Membrane Proteins
  25m
9. Transport Across Membranes1h 52m
10. Anerobic Respiration1h 5m
11. Aerobic Respiration1h 11m
12. Photosynthesis52m
13. Intracellular Protein Transport2h 18m
14. Cell Signaling1h 28m
15. Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement1h 39m
16. Cell Division3h 5m
17. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction50m
18. Cell Junctions and Tissues48m
19. Stem Cells13m
- Stem Cells
  13m
20. Cancer44m
21. The Immune System1h 6m
22. Techniques in Cell Biology1h 41m

16. Cell Division

Overview of the Cell Cycle

Cell Biology

16. Cell Division

Overview of the Cell Cycle

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Multiple Choice

Which phase of the cell cycle is primarily responsible for the separation of sister chromatids during cell division?

Anaphase

Telophase

Prophase

Metaphase

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the cell cycle and its phases: The cell cycle consists of interphase (G1, S, G2) and the mitotic phase (M phase). The M phase includes prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, which are critical for cell division.

Review the role of sister chromatids: Sister chromatids are identical copies of a chromosome connected by a centromere. During cell division, these chromatids must be separated to ensure each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.

Analyze the events of each mitotic phase: In prophase, chromosomes condense and spindle fibers form. In metaphase, chromosomes align at the metaphase plate. In anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell. In telophase, the cell begins to divide, and nuclear envelopes reform around the separated chromatids.

Focus on anaphase: During anaphase, the spindle fibers shorten, pulling the sister chromatids apart at the centromere. This ensures that each daughter cell will receive one copy of each chromosome.

Conclude that anaphase is the phase responsible for the separation of sister chromatids during cell division, as this is the defining event of this stage.