During which phase of mitosis are the sister chromatids pulled to opposite poles of the cell?

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

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of mitosis, which is the division of a single cell into two genetically identical daughter cells. Mitosis consists of several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
2. Recall that during prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the mitotic spindle begins to form. The nuclear envelope also starts to break down.
3. In metaphase, the chromosomes align at the metaphase plate, which is the equatorial plane of the cell. The spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the sister chromatids.
4. During anaphase, the centromeres split, and the spindle fibers shorten, pulling the sister chromatids apart toward opposite poles of the cell. This is the key event that defines anaphase.
5. Finally, in telophase, the separated chromatids reach the opposite poles, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, which begin to de-condense back into chromatin.