During which phase of mitosis is sister chromatid cohesion maintained?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the stages of mitosis: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis (which is technically a separate process).
2. Understand that sister chromatid cohesion refers to the physical connection between the two identical sister chromatids formed during DNA replication.
3. Identify that cohesion is maintained until the chromatids are ready to separate, which happens during anaphase.
4. Recognize that during metaphase, sister chromatids are aligned at the metaphase plate and cohesion is still intact to keep them together.
5. Conclude that sister chromatid cohesion is maintained during metaphase and is released at the onset of anaphase, allowing chromatids to separate.