Question

At which stage of mitosis the chromatids separate and pass to different poles? (a) Prophase (b) Metaphase (c) Anaphase (d) Telophase

Short answer

The stage of mitosis at which the chromatids separate and move to different poles is Anaphase (c).

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the Stages of Mitosis

The first step involves understanding each stage of mitosis. Mitosis has four stages: \n1. Prophase: The chromosomes condense and the mitotic spindle begins to form. \n2. Metaphase: The chromosomes align in the middle of the cell. \n3. Anaphase: This is the stage where the chromatids separate and move to the opposite poles. \n4. Telophase: The chromosomes have reached their respective poles and decondense, nuclear envelope reforms.

Match the Description to the Correct Stage

The question is asking for the stage where chromatids separate and move to the opposite poles. This description matches the third stage, Anaphase.

Confirm the Answer

Confirm your answer once more. Once you have matched the description to the correct stage, you should confirm that there is no other stage where chromatids separate and move to the opposite poles. This rules out the other options.

Key concepts

Chromatids

Chromatids are identical halves of a duplicated chromosome, linked together at a region called the centromere. During cell division, specifically in mitosis, chromatids play a crucial role in ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. Prior to mitosis, during the S-phase of interphase, each chromosome is replicated, resulting in two identical sister chromatids per chromosome.

Understanding chromatids is important because they are the structures that will eventually split and be allocated to the daughter cells during mitosis. It's like each chromatid carries a copy of the genetic information that needs to be handed over during cell division. Ensuring the proper separation and distribution of chromatids is vital for genetic consistency across cells.

• Chromatids are connected at the centromere until they are separated.
• They ensure genetic material is accurately replicated and distributed.
• Mistakes in chromatids separation can lead to genetic disorders.

Anaphase

Anaphase is a stage of mitosis where the critical task of separating the chromatids takes place. During this phase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart by the mitotic spindle fibers, moving them toward opposite poles of the cell. This movement is facilitated by the spindle fibers that attach to the centromeres and shorten to drag the chromatids away from each other.

The orderly separation of chromatids into individual chromosomes is essential for ensuring that each new daughter cell will receive the correct number of chromosomes. Anaphase is typically quick but vital, as any errors in chromosome separation can lead to aneuploidy, a condition where cells have missing or extra chromosomes.

• Chromatids separate and travel to opposite poles.
• The proper division in anaphase ensures genetic stability.
• Errors in this stage can cause significant genetic imbalances.

Stages of Mitosis

Mitosis is a fundamental process for life, involving the division of a cell into two genetically identical daughter cells. It consists of several distinct stages that ensure the accurate distribution of chromosomes. Let's explore these stages succinctly:

- **Prophase**: During this first stage, chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the mitotic spindle begins to form. The nuclear envelope starts to break down, allowing microtubules to reach the chromosomes.
- **Metaphase**: Chromosomes line up along the metaphase plate, an imaginary line equidistant from the spindle poles. The spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.
- **Anaphase**: This stage is marked by the separation of chromatids, as the spindle fibers shorten and pull each chromatid to opposite ends of the cell, ensuring each new cell will receive one copy of each chromosome.
- **Telophase**: The final stage sees the arrival of chromosomes at the poles, where they begin to decondense. The nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, eventually leading into cytokinesis, where the cell fully divides.

• Key for ensuring each daughter cell inherits a full set of chromosomes.
• Stages occur in a specific, highly-regulated sequence.
• Proper regulation prevents genetic abnormalities and promotes healthy cell function.