during what phase of mitosis do centromeres divide and the chromosomes move towards the respective poles
The phase of mitosis where centromeres divide and the chromosomes move towards the respective poles is called anaphase.
The phase of mitosis during which the centromeres divide and the chromosomes move towards the respective poles is called the anaphase. To understand this process, we need a basic understanding of mitosis.
Mitosis is a type of cell division that occurs in eukaryotic cells and is essential for growth, development, and tissue repair. It is divided into several phases: prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Anaphase is the fourth phase of mitosis. During this phase, the sister chromatids (each chromatid is a replicated chromosome) separate and start moving towards opposite poles of the cell. The process of separation and movement occurs in two key steps:
1. Centromere Division: The centromeres, which hold the sister chromatids together, divide. This division allows each chromatid to become an individual chromosome. This step is crucial because it ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes.
2. Chromosome Movement: Once the centromeres are divided, the chromosomes are pulled apart. This is achieved by the dynamic contraction and relaxation of microtubules called spindle fibers. The spindle fibers are attached to the kinetochores (specialized protein structures on each chromatid) and exert force to separate the chromosomes. As the spindle fibers shorten, the chromosomes are pulled towards the poles of the cell.
It is important to understand that anaphase is a relatively short phase compared to other stages of mitosis. Once anaphase is complete, the cell proceeds to the final phase, telophase, where two new nuclei start forming around the separated chromosomes.
In summary, the centromeres divide and the chromosomes move towards the respective poles during the anaphase stage of mitosis. The separation of sister chromatids and their movement to opposite ends of the cell are essential for the equal distribution of genetic material into daughter cells.
I don't know I'm just now learning it.
Your text probably has the information you need. You can find it here, too:
https://www2.le.ac.uk/projects/vgec/highereducation/topics/cellcycle-mitosis-meiosis