In which stage of mitosis do chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles?

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

Answer: (C)

During mitosis, the stage where chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles is known as anaphase. At this point, the sister chromatids, which have been aligned at the cell's equatorial plane during metaphase, are pulled apart by the spindle fibers connected to the centromeres. This separation ensures that each new daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.

Anaphase is crucial because it allows for the proper distribution of genetic material. Once the chromatids are separated, they are referred to as individual chromosomes. As they move toward opposite ends of the cell, it prepares for the next phase, which is telophase, where the chromosomes will begin to de-condense and nuclear envelopes will reform around each set.

Understanding this specific function of anaphase highlights the importance of orderly chromosome separation in the overall process of cell division, ensuring that each daughter cell maintains the correct chromosomal number.