Which phase of mitosis directly follows metaphase?

Which phase of mitosis directly follows metaphase?

• A. Prophase
• B. Telophase
• C. Anaphase
• D. Interphase

Answer: (C)

The phase of mitosis that directly follows metaphase is anaphase. During anaphase, the sister chromatids that were aligned at the metaphase plate are pulled apart towards opposite poles of the cell. This is a critical step in ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. At this stage, the kinetochores, which are protein structures on the centromeres where spindle fibers attach, begin to move the chromatids apart. The movement is facilitated by the spindle apparatus, which shortens the microtubules connected to the kinetochores. This separation is essential for the proper distribution of genetic material during cell division. The other phases listed do not occur immediately after metaphase; prophase is the initial phase of mitosis where chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes and the mitotic spindle begins to form, while telophase occurs after anaphase when separated chromatids begin to de-condense back into chromatin and nuclear membranes reform. Interphase is the period when the cell is not actively dividing, which is unrelated to the specific stages of mitosis.

The phase of mitosis that directly follows metaphase is anaphase. During anaphase, the sister chromatids that were aligned at the metaphase plate are pulled apart towards opposite poles of the cell. This is a critical step in ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.

At this stage, the kinetochores, which are protein structures on the centromeres where spindle fibers attach, begin to move the chromatids apart. The movement is facilitated by the spindle apparatus, which shortens the microtubules connected to the kinetochores. This separation is essential for the proper distribution of genetic material during cell division.

The other phases listed do not occur immediately after metaphase; prophase is the initial phase of mitosis where chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes and the mitotic spindle begins to form, while telophase occurs after anaphase when separated chromatids begin to de-condense back into chromatin and nuclear membranes reform. Interphase is the period when the cell is not actively dividing, which is unrelated to the specific stages of mitosis.