During which phase of cellular reproduction do sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles?

During which phase of cellular reproduction do sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles?

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

Answer: (C)

During anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers attached to the centromeres and are moved toward opposite poles of the cell. This process is crucial because it ensures that each new daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes during cell division. In prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible, the nuclear envelope starts to break down, and the spindle apparatus begins to form, but the chromatids remain attached at their centromeres. During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plate (metaphase plate), but they are still paired as sister chromatids. In telophase, the separated chromatids reach the poles and begin to de-condense back into chromatin, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes. Thus, the distinct movement of sister chromatids to opposite poles occurs specifically during anaphase.

During anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers attached to the centromeres and are moved toward opposite poles of the cell. This process is crucial because it ensures that each new daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes during cell division.

In prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible, the nuclear envelope starts to break down, and the spindle apparatus begins to form, but the chromatids remain attached at their centromeres. During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plate (metaphase plate), but they are still paired as sister chromatids. In telophase, the separated chromatids reach the poles and begin to de-condense back into chromatin, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes. Thus, the distinct movement of sister chromatids to opposite poles occurs specifically during anaphase.