Question 7

During anaphase, the chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.

During the anaphase stage of mitosis, the sister chromatids are pulled apart and move towards opposite ends of the cell, ensuring that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.

A) During telophase, the chromosomes align in the center of the cell.

This statement is incorrect because, during telophase, the chromosomes de-condense and begin to form two distinct nuclei at opposite poles of the cell rather than aligning in the center. The alignment of chromosomes occurs during metaphase, not telophase.

B) During metaphase, the chromosomes condense.

This statement is partially correct but misleading in the context of the question. While chromosomes do condense and become visible during earlier stages, it is during metaphase that they align at the cell's equatorial plane. Therefore, this option does not accurately describe the key action associated with metaphase.

C) During prophase, the chromosomes become uncondensed and two new nuclei are formed.

This statement is incorrect. During prophase, the chromosomes actually condense and become visible, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down. The formation of two new nuclei occurs in telophase, not prophase.

D) During anaphase, the chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.

This statement is correct. Anaphase is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids, which are pulled to opposite ends of the cell by the spindle fibers. This ensures that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.

Conclusion

The correct answer, D, accurately describes the critical process that occurs during anaphase, highlighting the separation of chromatids. Options A, B, and C either misrepresent the stages of mitosis or confuse the order of events, reinforcing that D is the only accurate statement regarding mitosis.