Chromatids are pulled apart during anaphase of cell division.

Core idea

During cell division, sister chromatids stay joined at the centromere through prophase and metaphase, then separate and move to opposite poles in anaphase , forming individual daughter chromosomes. In mitosis this happens in anaphase , and in meiosis it happens specifically in anaphase II.

Quick Scoop: what to remember

  • In mitosis: sister chromatids are pulled apart in anaphase.
  • In meiosis: sister chromatids are pulled apart in anaphase II (homologous chromosomes separate earlier in anaphase I).
  • Metaphase is just the line‑up stage; the actual pulling apart starts only once the cell enters anaphase.

TL;DR: The phase where chromatids are pulled apart is anaphase (or anaphase II in meiosis).