Examine the diagram of the cell cycle. Which label identifies the step labeled W? Anaphase:
chromosomes thicken Metaphase: chromosomes thicken Anaphase: chromosomes are pulled apart Metaphase: chromosomes are pulled apart
The right answer is Anaphase: chromosomes are pulled apart.
Anaphase is a very rapid phase of meiosis and mitosis where sister chromatids (during mitosis or meiosis II) or homologous chromosomes (during meiosis I) separate and migrate to opposite poles of the cell. In the image, the diagram represents mitosis (thus separation of sister chromatids).
During this phase, following a specific signal, the sister chromatids separate abruptly. They are then "pulled" by the "microtubules" towards the pole to which they are attached. Chromatids migrate rapidly at a rate of about 1 μm / min. Anaphase is usually divided into two distinct phases.
