Question

Chromosomes separating at the centromere and moving to opposite sides of the cell is an event that occurs during which phase of mitosis?

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

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Anaphase

A. Interphase is the non dividing phase of cell cycle and is further subdivided into G1, S and G2 phase. In G1 phase, cell continues to grow, in S phase synthesis of DNA i.e. replication occurs and in G2 phase cell prepares for genomic separations.

B. In prophase, chromosomes shorten and thicken by coiling. Chromosomal material becomes untangled due to chromatin condensation. Centrioles move to opposite poles. Nuclear envelope and nucleolus disappear.

C. In metaphase, spindle fibres get attached to kinetochores and bring the chromosomes on the equator of the spindle. The centromeres of all the chromosomes lie on the equator which forms a plate called metaphase plate.

D. In anaphase, centromeres split into two and the spindle fibres pull the daughter centromeres to opposite poles.

E. Telophase is the last phase of Mitosis. The chromatids reach the poles of the cell, uncoil and lengthen to form chromatin again. Spindle fibres disintegrate and centrioles replicate. Nuclear envelope reforms around the chromosomes and cell organelles appear. Telophase leads into cytokinesis (cell division) and thus 2 daughter cells are formed at the end of mitosis.

So, the correct answer is Anaphase.