Final answer:
Mitosis is a cell division process that results in genetically identical daughter cells, involving phases such as prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Anaphase is the stage where sister chromatids separate to form individual chromosomes, which move to opposite cell poles, initiating cytokinesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mitosis and Anaphase
Mitosis is a process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. It involves a series of phases: prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Anaphase
Anaphase is the third stage of mitosis where the sister chromatids are separated from each other. This separation results in the formation of individual chromosomes, formerly part of the same chromosome, which are pulled to opposite poles of the cell by the kinetochores. The microtubules involved in this process shorten, facilitating the movement of the chromosomes. As a result, each new daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes, ensuring genetic consistency. Additionally, cytokinesis begins during anaphase, which is the physical separation of the cell's cytoplasm into two distinct daughter cells.