Which phase is the third stage of mitosis, in which chromosomes separate and move toward opposite ends of the cell?

Which phase is the third stage of mitosis, in which chromosomes separate and move toward opposite ends of the cell?

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

Answer: (A)

Anaphase is the stage of mitosis in which sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles. After metaphase, where chromosomes align at the center, the cohesin proteins holding sister chromatids together are cleaved, allowing the chromatids to separate. Kinetochore microtubules shorten, pulling each chromatid toward the spindle pole, while other microtubules lengthen to push the poles further apart, causing the cell to elongate. By the end of this phase, the chromosomes are separated and located near opposite ends, setting up telophase and cytokinesis. This contrasts with prophase, where chromosomes condense and the spindle forms, and with metaphase, where chromosomes are lined up at the center, and with telophase, where chromosomes arrive at the poles and begin to de-condense.

Anaphase is the stage of mitosis in which sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles. After metaphase, where chromosomes align at the center, the cohesin proteins holding sister chromatids together are cleaved, allowing the chromatids to separate. Kinetochore microtubules shorten, pulling each chromatid toward the spindle pole, while other microtubules lengthen to push the poles further apart, causing the cell to elongate. By the end of this phase, the chromosomes are separated and located near opposite ends, setting up telophase and cytokinesis. This contrasts with prophase, where chromosomes condense and the spindle forms, and with metaphase, where chromosomes are lined up at the center, and with telophase, where chromosomes arrive at the poles and begin to de-condense.