From a piece of blank paper, cut out three sets of four cigar-shaped structures (a total of 12 structures). These will represent chromatids. Be sure each member of a set of four chromatids has the same length and girth. In set one, label two chromatids 'A' and two chromatids 'a.' Cut each of these chromatids about halfway across near their midpoint and slide the two 'A' chromatids together at the cuts to form a single set of attached sister chromatids. Do the same for the 'a' chromatids. In the second set of four chromatids, label two 'B' and two 'b.' Cut and slide these together as you did for the first set, joining the 'B' chromatids together and the 'b' chromatids together. Repeat this process for the third set of chromatids, labeling them as 'D' and 'd.' You now have models for three pairs of homologous chromosomes, for a total of six chromosomes. Are there any alternative alignments of the chromosomes for this cell-division stage? Explain.
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis
Mitosis
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
During which stage of mitosis are sister chromatids, which are identical copies of each other, separated and pulled toward opposite poles of the cell?
A
Telophase
B
Prophase
C
Metaphase
D
Anaphase

1
Recall the main stages of mitosis: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase, each with distinct events.
Understand that sister chromatids are identical copies of a chromosome formed during DNA replication and are initially joined together at the centromere.
Identify that during Prophase, chromosomes condense and the mitotic spindle begins to form, but sister chromatids remain attached.
Recognize that in Metaphase, sister chromatids align at the metaphase plate (the cell's equator), preparing for separation.
Know that in Anaphase, the key event is the separation of sister chromatids as they are pulled toward opposite poles of the cell by spindle fibers, which is the stage asked about in the problem.
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