During mitosis, which phase is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids?

During mitosis, which phase is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids?

• A. Prophase
• B. Metaphase
• C. Anaphase
• D. Telophase

Answer: (C)

The separation of sister chromatids occurs during anaphase. At this stage, the cohesin proteins that hold the sister chromatids together are cleaved, allowing the chromatids to part ways. Kinetochore microtubules attached to the chromatids shorten, pulling each chromatid toward opposite poles, while nonkinetochore microtubules push the poles further apart. This movement ensures that each new daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes. Before this, chromosomes condense in prophase and align at the center of the cell in metaphase; afterward, in telophase, the chromosomes arrive at the poles and the nuclear envelope begins to reform.

The separation of sister chromatids occurs during anaphase. At this stage, the cohesin proteins that hold the sister chromatids together are cleaved, allowing the chromatids to part ways. Kinetochore microtubules attached to the chromatids shorten, pulling each chromatid toward opposite poles, while nonkinetochore microtubules push the poles further apart. This movement ensures that each new daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes. Before this, chromosomes condense in prophase and align at the center of the cell in metaphase; afterward, in telophase, the chromosomes arrive at the poles and the nuclear envelope begins to reform.