During which stage of mitosis do sister chromatids separate?

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

Answer: (D)

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 stages: 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 breaks down, but sister chromatids are not yet separated.
3. In metaphase, the chromosomes align at the metaphase plate, which is the equatorial plane of the cell. The sister chromatids are still attached to each other at the centromere.
4. During anaphase, the centromeres split, and the sister chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers toward opposite poles of the cell. This is the stage where the separation of sister chromatids occurs.
5. Finally, in telophase, the separated chromatids reach the opposite poles, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, resulting in two nuclei in one cell. The cell is then ready to undergo cytokinesis, which divides the cytoplasm and completes cell division.