Anaphase – The Final Stage in Mitosis

Anaphase is the fourth and final stage of mitosis during which chromosomes separate and the daughter cells move away from one another. During the anaphase stage, the duplicated chromosomes are pulled to opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibres.It is one of the most important and critical processes of cell division to ensure that daughter cells will have the same genetic information and diploid number as that of the parent cell.

Dividing Chromosomes – The Key Event of Anaphase

The dividing chromosomes are the key event of anaphase. The centromeres of each chromosome split, creating two chromatids.The sister chromatids that result from this process are pulled to opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibres. This process is known as chromosome segregation. As they move to the poles, they condense, forming distinct chromosomes. The movement of the chromosomes is powered by motor proteins, such as kinesin, which attach to the kinetochore region of the centromeres.

A Necessary Final Step for Cell Growth

Anaphase ensures that the divided cells will receive the correct genetic material and be able to continue to grow. Without anaphase, the genetic information in the daughter cells would be random and the cells would not be viable. Therefore, this stage of mitosis is essential for a successful cell division. The completion of anaphase marks the end of the process of mitosis and the start of the formation of two distinct daughter cells.

After anaphase is complete, each daughter cell contains the correct genetic material and is able to start the next stage of cell growth. Therefore, anaphase is an essential part of the process of cell division, ensuring that the cells have the proper gene information and the cell cycle can continue. It is during the anaphase stage that the chromosomes are segregated and the daughter cells move away from one another, so that they can complete the cell cycle and develop into viable cells.