During mitosis anaphase, what occurs with the chromatids?

During anaphase, the key event that occurs involves the separation of sister chromatids. At this stage of mitosis, the paired chromatids, which were previously aligned at the metaphase plate, are pulled apart by the spindle fibers attached to the centromeres. Each chromatid, now considered an individual chromosome, moves toward opposite poles of the cell. This separation is crucial for ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes during the subsequent phases of cell division.

Understanding the dynamics of chromatid movement in anaphase is essential because it underscores the proper distribution of genetic material, which is vital for maintaining genetic stability in the daughter cells. Other processes that happen during the overall mitotic phase, such as the reformation of the nuclear membrane, disassembly of the spindle apparatus, or changes in chromosome number, do not occur during anaphase specifically, reinforcing the uniqueness of this stage in the sequence of mitotic events.