Anaphase
The stage where sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles of the cell.
What is Anaphase?
The constricted region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined and where the kinetochore forms; it divides during Anaphase.
Key points
- Describe the key events occurring during Anaphase.
- Explain the mechanism of sister chromatid separation and movement to poles.
- Identify the structures involved in chromosome segregation (centromere, kinetochore, spindle fibers).
- Relate Anaphase to the overall process of mitosis and its significance in maintaining genetic continuity.
Common exam trap
Confusing sister chromatids with homologous chromosomes; Anaphase involves separation of sister chromatids, not homologous chromosomes (which separate in Anaphase I of meiosis).
Definitions
- Term
Centromere
- Meaning
The constricted region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined and where the kinetochore forms; it divides during Anaphase.
- Term
Kinetochore
- Meaning
A protein structure assembled on the centromere of a chromosome, serving as the attachment site for spindle microtubules during cell division.
- Term
Sister Chromatids
- Meaning
Two identical copies of a chromosome joined together by a centromere, formed during DNA replication, which separate during Anaphase of mitosis.
- Term
Spindle Fibers (Microtubules)
- Meaning
Protein structures that form the mitotic spindle and are involved in attaching to and separating chromosomes during cell division.
Learning objectives
Describe the key events occurring during Anaphase.
Explain the mechanism of sister chromatid separation and movement to poles.
Identify the structures involved in chromosome segregation (centromere, kinetochore, spindle fibers).
Relate Anaphase to the overall process of mitosis and its significance in maintaining genetic continuity.
Distinguish Anaphase from other mitotic phases based on chromosomal behavior.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of cell structure (nucleus, cytoplasm, centrioles, spindle fibers).
Knowledge of chromosome structure (chromatids, centromere, kinetochore).
Familiarity with the overall cell cycle and the stages of mitosis (Prophase, Metaphase).
Common mistakes
Confusing sister chromatids with homologous chromosomes; Anaphase involves separation of sister chromatids, not homologous chromosomes (which separate in Anaphase I of meiosis).
Forgetting that the centromere itself divides during Anaphase.
Incorrectly stating that chromosomes align at the metaphase plate during Anaphase (that happens in Metaphase).
Not understanding the role of both kinetochore and polar microtubules in chromosome movement and cell elongation.
Misinterpreting the temporary change in chromosome number.
Keywords
Anaphase
Mitosis
Cell Cycle
Sister Chromatids
Centromere
Kinetochore
Spindle Fibers
Chromosome Movement
Cell Division
Genetic Material
Practice preview
During anaphase of mitosis, what separates and moves towards opposite poles of the cell?…
easy
In a diploid organism with 2n=16 chromosomes, how many chromosomes will be present at each pole of the cell during anaphase of mitosis?…
easy
Consider the following events occurring during cell division: 1. Separation of homologous chromosomes 2. Separation of sister chromatids 3. Alignment of chromosomes at the metaphase plate 4. Formation of two daughter nuc…
medium