Which stage is the stage where chromosomes move away from one another to opposite poles?

• A. Telophase
• B. Metaphase
• C. Prophase
• D. Anaphase

Answer: (D)

Anaphase is the stage in mitosis when the sister chromatids separate at the centromeres and are pulled toward opposite spindle poles. This rapid movement is driven by kinetochore microtubules shortening and by motor proteins, which tug each chromatid toward a pole. At the same time, the poles are pushed farther apart as other microtubules lengthen, helping to elongate the cell in preparation for division. The result is that each daughter cell will receive a complete set of chromosomes.

Prophase involves chromosomes condensing and the nuclear envelope breaking down; metaphase has chromosomes aligning along the middle of the cell; and telophase sees chromosomes arriving at the poles, de-condensing, and the nuclear envelope re-forming.