During mitosis, how many chromatids are present in each replicated chromosome before they separate at anaphase?

• A. 4
• B. 0
• C. 2
• D. 1

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a chromosome is made up of DNA and proteins, and during the cell cycle, it can exist in different forms depending on the phase.
2. Recall that before mitosis begins, during the S phase of interphase, each chromosome is replicated, resulting in two identical sister chromatids joined at a centromere.
3. Recognize that these sister chromatids together still count as one chromosome but consist of two chromatids.
4. During mitosis, specifically before anaphase, the replicated chromosome has two chromatids because they have not yet separated.
5. Therefore, the number of chromatids present in each replicated chromosome before they separate at anaphase is 2.