what moves the chromatids around during cell division

The chromatids are moved by the mitotic spindle , especially spindle fibers (microtubules) that attach to the kinetochore at the centromere and pull sister chromatids apart during anaphase.

Quick scoop

• What does the moving? Spindle microtubules.

• What attaches them? The kinetochore on each chromatid.

• When does it happen? During anaphase, when sister chromatids separate.

In simple terms

Think of it like tiny ropes and motors inside the cell. The spindle fibers attach to each chromatid and shorten or shift, which pulls the chromatids toward opposite poles of the cell.

Key idea

If your teacher asks, the short answer is: Spindle fibers move the chromatids during cell division.

If you want, I can also give you a one-sentence mnemonic for this.