Detailed Summary of Anaphase
Anaphase is the third stage of mitosis, occurring after metaphase. This phase is critically important for the accurate distribution of chromosomes to the daughter cells. At the onset of anaphase, the cohesin proteins that hold sister chromatids together are cleaved, causing the centromeres to split. As a result, each chromatid, now referred to as a daughter chromosome, begins moving towards opposite poles of the cell.
The movement of chromatids towards the poles is facilitated by the spindle fibers, which shorten and pull the chromatids apart. Notably, during this movement, the centromeres remain oriented toward the poles, with the arms of the chromosomes trailing behind, leading to a distinct V-shape appearance for the migrating chromosomes. This ensures that each future daughter nucleus will receive an equal and complete set of genetic material. The integrity of this process is crucial, as any errors can lead to aneuploidy, which can have significant implications for cell function and organism health.