During mitosis, in which phase do sister chromatids separate and move away from each other toward opposite poles of the cell?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the main phases of mitosis: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase, each with distinct events.
2. Understand that during Prophase, chromosomes condense and the mitotic spindle begins to form, but sister chromatids remain attached.
3. In Metaphase, sister chromatids align at the metaphase plate (the cell's equator), preparing for separation.
4. Anaphase is the phase where the key event occurs: sister chromatids separate at the centromere and are pulled toward opposite poles by spindle fibers.
5. Finally, in Telophase, the chromatids arrive at the poles and begin to decondense, and the nuclear envelope reforms.