The sister chromatids of a chromosome fully separate during _________ of mitosis.

• A. metaphase
• B. anaphase
• C. telophase
• D. prophase

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the process of mitosis, which is the division of a cell's nucleus into two identical nuclei. Mitosis consists of several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
2. Step 2: Recall the role of sister chromatids. Sister chromatids are identical copies of a chromosome that are connected by a centromere. During mitosis, these chromatids must separate to ensure each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.
3. Step 3: Review the events of each phase of mitosis: - Prophase: Chromosomes condense and spindle fibers begin to form. - Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate. - Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled apart by spindle fibers to opposite poles of the cell. - Telophase: Chromosomes decondense and nuclear envelopes reform around the separated chromatids.
4. Step 4: Focus on anaphase. During anaphase, the centromeres split, and the spindle fibers pull the sister chromatids apart, fully separating them and moving them to opposite poles of the cell.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the sister chromatids fully separate during anaphase of mitosis, as this is the phase where the physical separation occurs.