What occurs during anaphase of mitosis?

What occurs during anaphase of mitosis?

• A. Chromosomes condense
• B. Anaphase begins
• C. Centromeres split and sister chromosomes separate
• D. Cells begin to pinch into two

Answer: (C)

During anaphase of mitosis, the key event that takes place is the splitting of the centromeres, which allows the sister chromatids to separate and move towards opposite poles of the cell. This process is crucial because it ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes during cell division. The chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers connected to the kinetochores, and as they are separated, they are referred to as individual chromosomes. This stage is essential for proper genetic distribution during cell division. If this process fails, it can result in aneuploidy, where daughter cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes, which can lead to various diseases. In contrast to this core function of anaphase, other options describe different stages or processes in mitosis rather than what specifically happens during anaphase. Chromosome condensation occurs earlier in prophase, while the event of "anaphase begins" is a general statement rather than a specific description. The pinching of cells into two is indicative of cytokinesis, which is a subsequent phase occurring after mitosis has been completed.

During anaphase of mitosis, the key event that takes place is the splitting of the centromeres, which allows the sister chromatids to separate and move towards opposite poles of the cell. This process is crucial because it ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes during cell division. The chromatids are pulled apart by the spindle fibers connected to the kinetochores, and as they are separated, they are referred to as individual chromosomes.

This stage is essential for proper genetic distribution during cell division. If this process fails, it can result in aneuploidy, where daughter cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes, which can lead to various diseases.

In contrast to this core function of anaphase, other options describe different stages or processes in mitosis rather than what specifically happens during anaphase. Chromosome condensation occurs earlier in prophase, while the event of "anaphase begins" is a general statement rather than a specific description. The pinching of cells into two is indicative of cytokinesis, which is a subsequent phase occurring after mitosis has been completed.