Which phase of mitosis is characterized by each pair of sister chromatids moving to opposite sides of the cell?
The phase of mitosis characterized by each pair of sister chromatids moving to opposite sides of the cell is called anaphase.
The phase of mitosis in which each pair of sister chromatids moves to opposite sides of the cell is called the "Anaphase." Here is the step-by-step breakdown of this phase:
1. Anaphase starts after the completion of metaphase, during which the chromosomes align at the center of the cell.
2. The centromeres holding the sister chromatids together divide, separating each pair of sister chromatids into individual chromosomes.
3. The spindle fibers, which are microtubules produced by the centrosomes, start to shorten and pull the separated sister chromatids towards opposite poles of the cell.
4. As the sister chromatids are pulled apart, the cell elongates, preparing for cell division.
5. At the end of anaphase, each pole of the cell contains a complete set of chromosomes.
Overall, anaphase ensures that each daughter cell receives an equal and identical set of chromosomes.
The phase of mitosis that is characterized by each pair of sister chromatids moving to opposite sides of the cell is called "anaphase". To understand this, let's walk through the stages of mitosis:
1. Interphase: The cell prepares for division by undergoing growth, DNA replication, and organelle duplication.
2. Prophase: The nuclear membrane disassembles, and the chromosomes condense, becoming visible under a microscope. The mitotic spindle begins to form.
3. Metaphase: The chromosomes line up along the equator of the cell, known as the metaphase plate. Each pair of sister chromatids is attached to the spindle fibers.
4. Anaphase: During anaphase, the sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. The spindle fibers attached to the kinetochores of each chromatid shorten, pulling them apart.
5. Telophase: The chromosomes reach the opposite ends of the cell. The nuclear membranes start to reassemble around each set of chromosomes, and the chromosomes begin to decondense. The mitotic spindle disintegrates.
6. Cytokinesis: This is not technically part of mitosis but occurs immediately after. The cell membrane pinches in or a cell plate forms to divide the cytoplasm, creating two separate daughter cells.
So, to answer your question, the phase of mitosis characterized by each pair of sister chromatids moving to opposite sides of the cell is anaphase.