Question

In which phase(s) of mitosis do the chromosomes contain a single strand of dna?

Answer 1

Chromosomes contain a single DNA strand after the sister chromatids separate during anaphase of mitosis, transitioning from a duplicated state with two strands.

Step-by-step explanation:

Chromosomes with a Single Strand of DNA

DNA replication occurs in the S phase of interphase, setting the stage for mitosis. However, chromosomes contain a single strand of DNA only after the sister chromatids separate, which occurs during the anaphase of mitosis. After this separation, each individual chromatid is now referred to as a chromosome, containing a single strand of DNA. The four phases of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Prior to anaphase, each chromosome is composed of two sister chromatids held together at the centromere.

Answer 2

Mitosis occurs in the nucleus and forms 2 identical cells; it is a continuous process, but can be subdivided into 4 phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase; the resulting cells are exact duplicates (clones) of the parent cell. All DNA is double stranded but if it’s meant a single molecule of DNA, it happens in metaphase. Each chromosome makes a copy of itself during DNA synthesis wherein the original chromosome and its copy are joined together. This complete structure is called a chromosome. The two parts (original chromosome and its copy) are called chromatids. At metaphase the two chromatids begin to separate. Each chromatid, once separated, is renamed a chromosome and consists of single DNA molecule.