Question

multiple choice question
during ______, the spindle fibers attached to the chromosomes get shorter and shorter, separating the chromatids and moving them toward the poles.
○ prophase
○ metaphase
○ telophase
○ anaphase

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each phase of mitosis:

• Prophase: Spindle fibers form, chromosomes condense, but chromatids aren't separated and moved yet.
• Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the equator, spindle fibers are attached but not shortening to move chromatids.
• Telophase: Chromatids have reached the poles, and the cell is preparing to divide, not the phase of moving chromatids.
• Anaphase: Spindle fibers attached to chromosomes (via kinetochores) shorten, pulling sister chromatids apart and moving them toward opposite poles. This matches the description.

Answer:

D. anaphase (assuming the options are labeled A to D as prophase, metaphase, telophase, anaphase respectively; if the original options have no labels, just the text: anaphase)