Which phase directly follows metaphase in mitosis?

Which phase directly follows metaphase in mitosis?

• A. Interphase
• B. Prophase
• C. Anaphase
• D. Telophase

Answer: (C)

Metaphase ends with sister chromatids lined up at the cell’s equator, held in place by kinetochores attached to spindle fibers. The next phase is anaphase, where the centromeres split and the sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles by shortening kinetochore microtubules and forces from the spindle poles. As the chromatids separate, the cell elongates as microtubules lengthen at the poles. When the chromatids reach the poles, telophase begins and the chromosomes de-condense with new nuclear envelopes forming, followed by cytokinesis that splits the cytoplasm. Interphase and prophase occur earlier in the sequence, so the direct successor of metaphase is anaphase.

Metaphase ends with sister chromatids lined up at the cell’s equator, held in place by kinetochores attached to spindle fibers. The next phase is anaphase, where the centromeres split and the sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles by shortening kinetochore microtubules and forces from the spindle poles. As the chromatids separate, the cell elongates as microtubules lengthen at the poles. When the chromatids reach the poles, telophase begins and the chromosomes de-condense with new nuclear envelopes forming, followed by cytokinesis that splits the cytoplasm. Interphase and prophase occur earlier in the sequence, so the direct successor of metaphase is anaphase.