Question

Mitotic anaphase differs from metaphase in possessing

• A. Same number of chromosomes and same number of chromatids.
• B. Half number of chromosomes and half number of chromatids.
• C. Half number of chromosomes and same number of chromatids.
• D. Same number of chromosomes and half number of chromatids.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Same number of chromosomes and half number of chromatids.

In humans (2n=46), there are 46 chromosomes present during metaphase, but 92 chromatids. It is only when sister chromatids separate – a step signaling that anaphase has begun – that each chromatid is considered a separate, individual chromosome. Now that the sister chromatids have separated, each chromatid is also considered a chromosome. Hence, during anaphase in humans, there are 92 chromosomes present.

So, the correct option is 'Same number of chromosomes and same number of chromatids.'