in what phase of mitosis do chromosomes split into sister chromatids
The phase of mitosis in which chromosomes split into sister chromatids is called anaphase.
The phase of mitosis where chromosomes split into sister chromatids is called the "Anaphase".
The phase of mitosis where the chromosomes split into sister chromatids is called the "anaphase." To understand why this occurs, let's take a step-by-step look at the process of mitosis:
1. Prophase: The first phase of mitosis where the chromatin in the nucleus condenses to form visible chromosomes. The nuclear envelope breaks down, and the spindle fibers begin to form.
2. Metaphase: The second phase, where the chromosomes align at the equatorial plane (center) of the cell. The spindle fibers, attached to the centromeres of each chromosome, help position them accurately.
3. Anaphase: This is the phase you are asking about. During anaphase, the sister chromatids separate and are pulled apart towards opposite poles of the cell. This is made possible by the shortening of the spindle fibers, which exert tension on the centromeres, causing them to split.
4. Telophase: The last phase of mitosis, where the separated sister chromatids reach the opposite poles of the cell. The nuclear envelope reforms, and the chromosomes start to decondense.
5. Cytokinesis: After mitosis is complete, the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two daughter cells, each containing a set of chromosomes.
In summary, during anaphase, the sister chromatids separate as the spindle fibers exert tension on the centromeres, causing them to split and move toward opposite poles of the cell.