Which phase follows metaphase during mitosis?

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

Answer: (C)

Metaphase is the stage where condensed chromosomes line up at the cell’s equator, held in place by kinetochores attached to spindle fibers. The phase that follows is anaphase, when the sister chromatids are pulled apart. Cohesin proteins holding the chromatids together are cleaved, allowing each chromatid to become an individual chromosome that is pulled toward opposite poles by shortening kinetochore microtubules and motor proteins. As this happens, the cell elongates as microtubules lengthen at the poles, separating the genetic material into two sets destined for each daughter cell.

Prophase occurs earlier, with chromosome condensation and the breakdown of the nuclear envelope. Telophase comes after anaphase, with chromosomes arriving at the poles, de-condensing, and the nuclear envelope re-forming.