During anaphase of mitosis, the sister chromatids separate at the centromere and are pulled to opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibers.

Quick Scoop

  • Chromatids split apart
    The protein “glue” holding sister chromatids together is broken down, so each chromatid becomes an individual chromosome.
  • Chromosomes move to opposite poles
    Kinetochore microtubules attached to the centromeres shorten, pulling the chromosomes toward opposite ends of the cell.
  • Spindle helps stretch the cell
    Other (non‑kinetochore/polar) microtubules elongate and push the poles apart, causing the cell to lengthen.
  • Sets up two identical nuclei
    By the end of anaphase, each pole has an identical set of chromosomes, ready for telophase and then cytokinesis.

A handy way to remember it: “ana-” = apart — anaphase is when the duplicated chromosomes move apart to opposite sides of the cell.

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