Question

What process does this describe:

The two chromatids of a double-stranded chromosome become separated

Answer 1

Anaphase is the phase of mitosis where sister chromatids separate into individual chromosomes and are pulled to opposite poles of the cell, ensuring each new cell will have a complete set of chromosomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process described by the student is known as anaphase, which is a phase of cell division, specifically mitosis. During anaphase, the sister chromatids of each chromosome are separated from each other. This separation occurs when the cohesin proteins that hold the chromatids together degrade, allowing the sister chromatids to part at the centromere.

Each sister chromatid, now an individual chromosome, is then rapidly pulled towards the centrosome to which it is attached by the shortening of the spindle fibers. It can be likened to reeling in a fish by shortening the fishing line. At the end of anaphase, each pole of the cell has a complete set of chromosomes, preparing the cell for the next stage of cell division which is telophase.

Answer 2

During anaphase in cell division, sister chromatids separate at the centromere and are pulled towards opposite poles of the cell by the shortening spindle fibers, leading to two cells each with a complete set of chromosomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Chromatid Separation During Anaphase

The process where the two chromatids of a double-stranded chromosome become separated is known as anaphase, a phase within cell division, specifically mitosis and meiosis. During anaphase, sister chromatids at the equatorial plane are split apart at their centromere. Each chromatid, now considered an individual chromosome, is then pulled rapidly towards the centrosome corresponding to the microtubule to which it was attached. This separation of sister chromatids ensures that each new cell will receive an exact copy of the chromosomes, maintaining the genetic integrity of the daughter cells. The cell elongates as the polar microtubules, which do not attach to chromosomes, slide against each other.

The dynamic process of chromatid separation is vital for successful cell division and the generation of two daughter cells, each containing a complete set of chromosomes. The spindle fibers play a critical role by shortening, akin to reeling in a fish, to facilitate the movement of chromatids towards the poles of the cell. By the end of anaphase, cell division is nearing completion, with each cell pole possessing its own set of chromosomes.