Final answer:
Astral microtubules and motor proteins aid in the separation of chromosomes during mitosis by providing spindle orientation and generating force for microtubule sliding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Astral microtubules and motor proteins play essential roles in the separation of chromosomes during mitosis. Astral microtubules are located near the poles and aid in spindle orientation. They are required for the regulation of mitosis. Motor proteins, such as dynein, are attached to microtubules and catalyze ATP hydrolysis to power microtubule sliding. Dynein motors on microtubules from one pole 'walk' along overlapping microtubules extending from the opposite pole, pushing apart the poles of the cell. These processes contribute to the proper alignment and separation of chromosomes during mitosis.