Which phase of mitosis involves the separation of sister chromatids and movement of chromosomes toward opposite poles?

Which phase of mitosis involves the separation of sister chromatids and movement of chromosomes toward opposite poles?

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

Answer: (C)

During mitosis, the step where sister chromatids are pulled apart and dragged to opposite ends of the cell is when cohesin proteins holding the chromatids together are cleaved. Once the chromatids separate, kinetochore microtubules shorten and motor proteins on the spindle pull each chromatid toward the corresponding pole. This separation and movement toward opposite poles is the hallmark of this phase, while the chromosomes have already lined up in the middle before and will arrive at the poles and de-condense afterward. So the described phase is the one where sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.

During mitosis, the step where sister chromatids are pulled apart and dragged to opposite ends of the cell is when cohesin proteins holding the chromatids together are cleaved. Once the chromatids separate, kinetochore microtubules shorten and motor proteins on the spindle pull each chromatid toward the corresponding pole. This separation and movement toward opposite poles is the hallmark of this phase, while the chromosomes have already lined up in the middle before and will arrive at the poles and de-condense afterward. So the described phase is the one where sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.