Final answer:
Kinetochore microtubules and motor proteins aid in the separation of chromosomes in mitosis by attaching to the kinetochores on the chromosomes and exerting force to move them. This process occurs during anaphase, when the microtubules shorten and pull the chromosomes towards opposite poles of the cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kinetochore microtubules and motor proteins aid in the separation of chromosomes in mitosis by attaching to the kinetochores on the chromosomes and exerting force to move them. Kinetochore microtubules are a subset of spindle microtubules that specifically bind to the kinetochores. Motor proteins, such as dynein, are attached to the microtubules and use ATP hydrolysis to generate the force needed to separate the chromatids. This process occurs during anaphase, when the microtubules shorten and pull the chromosomes towards opposite poles of the cell.