1. Sister Chromatids Separate:
- The centromeres of each duplicated chromosome split, separating the sister chromatids (identical copies of a chromosome) from each other.
2. Microtubules Shorten:
- The spindle fibers, composed of microtubules, attached to the kinetochores (specialized regions on centromeres) shorten, pulling the separated sister chromatids towards opposite poles of the cell.
3. Movement to Poles:
- The sister chromatids, now individual chromosomes, move to opposite ends of the cell, guided by the shortening microtubules.
4. Cell Elongation:
- The cell elongates as the poles move further apart.
5. Preparation for Telophase:
- As anaphase progresses, the cell prepares for telophase, the final stage of mitosis, by preparing to divide the cytoplasm and form two distinct daughter cells.
In essence, anaphase is the stage where the duplicated chromosomes are physically separated and pulled apart, ensuring that each new daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes.
