What happens to chromosomes during anaphase?

During anaphase, the key event that occurs is the separation of sister chromatids. Each chromosome, which is made up of two sister chromatids joined at a region called the centromere, is pulled apart toward opposite poles of the cell. This process is crucial for ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes during cell division.

The separation of chromatids occurs as the mitotic spindle, which is composed of microtubules, shortens and pulls the chromatids apart. This action ensures that, by the end of anaphase, each pole of the dividing cell will have an identical set of chromosomes, preparing for the subsequent stages of the cell cycle.

Increased understanding of this process is critical, as it lays the foundation for how genetic material is accurately distributed during cell division, thereby maintaining genetic stability in daughter cells.