During which phase of mitosis do the centromeres split?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of mitosis, which is divided into several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
2. Recall that during mitosis, chromosomes are duplicated and need to be evenly divided between two daughter cells.
3. In metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.
4. During anaphase, the centromeres split, allowing the sister chromatids to separate and move toward opposite poles of the cell.
5. Recognize that the splitting of centromeres is a key event in anaphase, distinguishing it from other phases like prophase, metaphase, and telophase.