In which phase of mitosis do centromeres split, allowing sister chromatids to separate and move toward opposite poles?

• A. Metaphase
• B. Prophase
• C. Telophase
• 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, chromosomes align at the metaphase plate, but centromeres have not yet split.
4. Anaphase is characterized by the splitting of centromeres, which allows sister chromatids to separate and move toward opposite poles of the cell.
5. Finally, in Telophase, the chromatids arrive at the poles and begin to decondense, and the nuclear envelope reforms.