Question

which of the following phrases best describes the events that occur during anaphase?
multiple choice
the contents of the cell begin to divide as the plasma membrane begins to pinch apart, forming two separate cells.
the spindle fibers attach to the sister chromatids and align them along the center of the cell.
the nuclear envelope begins to re - form around the newly separated chromosomes and the spindle fiber breaks down.
the spindle fibers shorten and the sister chromatids begin to separate and move to opposite ends of the cell.

Explanation:

• First option: This describes cytokinesis (cell - division phase after mitosis/meiosis), not anaphase.
• Second option: This is the description of metaphase (chromosomes align at the cell's equator).
• Third option: This is characteristic of telophase (nuclear envelope re - forms).
• Fourth option: In anaphase, spindle fibers shorten, sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.

Answer:

The spindle fibers shorten and the sister chromatids begin to separate and move to opposite ends of the cell.