Anaphase is a crucial stage in the process of mitosis, which is the cell division that results in two identical daughter cells. During anaphase, the sister chromatids, which are the replicated copies of each chromosome, are separated and pulled toward opposite poles of the cell.
This separation is facilitated by the spindle fibers, which are structures that form from the centrosomes and attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes. As the spindle fibers shorten, they pull the sister chromatids apart, ensuring that each new daughter cell will receive an identical set of genetic material.
This stage is critical because any errors in chromatid separation can lead to cells with an abnormal number of chromosomes, potentially causing cell malfunction or disease. Overall, anaphase is a well-orchestrated process that contributes significantly to the accurate distribution of genetic information during cell division.