During anaphase, the duplicated genetic material is pulled apart and moved to opposite sides of the cell, making sure each future daughter cell gets a complete set of chromosomes.

What Happens During Anaphase?

Quick Scoop

Think of anaphase as the “pull-apart” moment of cell division, when everything that was lined up neatly now gets separated and shipped to opposite ends of the cell.

Step‑by‑step: Anaphase in Mitosis

  1. Cohesin “glue” is cut
    • Sister chromatids (the two identical halves of a duplicated chromosome) are held together by a protein complex called cohesin.
 * An enzyme called separase breaks down this cohesin, so the chromatids can separate.
  1. Sister chromatids become individual chromosomes
    • Once separated, each chromatid is now considered its own chromosome.
 * These chromosomes are pulled away from the metaphase plate (the middle of the cell) toward opposite poles.
  1. Spindle fibers pull chromosomes to the poles
    • Kinetochore microtubules attached to each chromosome shorten , dragging chromosomes toward opposite centrosomes (poles).
 * This movement is powered by motor proteins and microtubule disassembly.
  1. Cell elongates
    • Non‑kinetochore (interpolar) microtubules push against each other, helping the cell stretch out.
 * By the end of anaphase, the cell is longer and each pole has a full, identical set of chromosomes.
  1. Transition to telophase
    • Once chromosomes reach the poles, anaphase finishes and telophase begins, when new nuclear envelopes start to form around each set.

Anaphase A vs Anaphase B (Advanced but Helpful)

Scientists often break anaphase into two overlapping parts.

  • Anaphase A
    • Kinetochore microtubules shorten.
    • Chromosomes move toward the poles along the spindle.
  • Anaphase B
    • Interpolar microtubules slide past each other, pushing the poles further apart.
* Astral microtubules pull on the cell cortex, helping move centrosomes outward.

* Overall effect: the whole cell elongates while poles separate.

What Happens During Anaphase in Meiosis?

Anaphase also appears in meiosis (the division that makes gametes like sperm and egg cells), but it works slightly differently in the two rounds of division.

Anaphase I (Meiosis I)

  • Homologous chromosomes (matching pairs, one from each parent) are pulled apart to opposite poles.
  • Sister chromatids stay together at this stage.
  • This reduces the chromosome number (from diploid to haploid).

Anaphase II (Meiosis II)

  • Now, sister chromatids separate, similar to mitotic anaphase.
  • Cohesin at the centromere is degraded, and chromatids move to opposite poles.
  • Errors here (nondisjunction) can cause cells to end up with too many or too few chromosomes, leading to conditions like aneuploidy.

Why Anaphase Really Matters

  • Ensures equal DNA distribution : Each daughter cell gets a full, correct set of chromosomes.
  • Prevents genetic disorders : Mistakes in anaphase (like nondisjunction) can lead to serious chromosome number abnormalities.
  • Key for growth and repair : Every time your body makes new cells for growth, healing, or tissue maintenance, anaphase is a critical checkpoint.

A simple way to picture it: imagine a librarian who has made two identical stacks of books; anaphase is when those stacks get split perfectly and sent to two different rooms so each room has a complete set.

Mini FAQ Style Recap

  • What happens during anaphase in one line?
    Sister chromatids (or homologous chromosomes in meiosis I) separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.
  • Is anaphase the same in mitosis and meiosis?
    No. In mitosis and meiosis II, sister chromatids separate, while in meiosis I, homologous chromosomes separate.
  • What comes before and after anaphase?
    It follows metaphase (chromosomes lined up in the middle) and is followed by telophase (nuclei reform and the cell prepares to split).

TL;DR: During anaphase, the “glue” between duplicated chromosomes is cut, spindle fibers pull each copy to opposite sides of the cell, and the cell elongates so that two genetically identical nuclei can form.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.