Anaphase: The Stage of Chromosome Separation and Poleward Movement

Anaphase is the stage of mitosis or meiosis where chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. It follows metaphase, where the chromosomes align along the equator of the cell, and precedes telophase, where the nuclear envelope reforms and the chromosomes uncoil.

During anaphase, the spindle fibers that attached to the centromeres of the sister chromatids contract, causing the chromosomes to separate and move towards the poles. The poleward movement of the chromosomes is driven by the pulling force exerted by the spindle fibers, which are made up of microtubules. As the chromosomes move, they remain attached to the spindle fibers at their centromeres.

Anaphase is a critical stage of cell division, as it ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes. If anaphase does not occur correctly, it can lead to errors in chromosome segregation and potentially to genetic abnormalities or the death of the cell.