During which phase do chromosomes separate and move toward opposite poles?

During which phase do chromosomes separate and move toward opposite poles?

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

Answer: (B)

Anaphase is when the sister chromatids separate at the centromere and are pulled toward opposite poles of the cell. This separation is driven by shortening microtubules attached to kinetochores and motor proteins that tug the chromatids apart, moving one complete chromosome toward each pole. This stage follows metaphase, where chromosomes line up at the cell’s equator, and precedes telophase, when the chromosomes arrive at the poles and new nuclei form. In prophase, chromosomes condense and the spindle apparatus begins to form, but the chromatids have not yet separated.

Anaphase is when the sister chromatids separate at the centromere and are pulled toward opposite poles of the cell. This separation is driven by shortening microtubules attached to kinetochores and motor proteins that tug the chromatids apart, moving one complete chromosome toward each pole. This stage follows metaphase, where chromosomes line up at the cell’s equator, and precedes telophase, when the chromosomes arrive at the poles and new nuclei form. In prophase, chromosomes condense and the spindle apparatus begins to form, but the chromatids have not yet separated.