Anaphase in Mitosis and Meiosis is a critical phase where the chromosomes are separated and pulled toward opposite poles of the cell. Despite the similarity in this process across cell divisions, there are distinct differences in how it occurs in mitosis versus meiosis. The crucial stage of Anaphase in Meiosis and Mitosis occurs in both during which the chromosomes are divided and drawn toward the opposing poles of the cell. While this process is identical in all cell divisions, there are clear distinctions between how it happens in mitosis and meiosis.
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Anaphase in Mitosis and Meiosis
Anaphase in Mitosis
A single cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells during the process of mitosis, which keeps the parent cell’s chromosome count constant. The stage of mitosis known as anaphase occurs when each chromosome’s sister chromatids split apart and are drawn in opposing directions to the poles of the cell. To ensure that every daughter cell obtains an identical set of chromosomes, spindle fibers connected to the centromeres of the chromatids shorten throughout this separation process.

Process
- Sister chromatids, which are identical copies of each chromosome created following DNA replication, are divided during anaphase in mitosis.
- Sister chromatids split apart at their centromeres.
- Sister chromatids are drawn to the opposite poles of the cell when spindle fibers connected to the centromeres shrink.
- This guarantees that every daughter cell inherits the same set of chromosomes.
Key Features
- The number of chromosomes in each daughter cell is equal to that of the parent cell (diploid if the parent cell was diploid).
- Genetic uniformity is ensured by the exact separation.
Anaphase I in Meiosis
Meiosis is the process that divides a cell’s chromosome count in half, producing four genetically distinct daughter cells that have half as many chromosomes as the parent cell. Meiosis I and II are the two rounds of division that take place throughout this process. During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes—each made up of two sister chromatids—separate and are drawn in different directions toward the poles of the cell during the anaphase I stage. As the homologous pairs segregate without dividing the centromeres, the procedure reduces the number of chromosomes by half, resulting in two haploid cells, each with a distinct combination of maternal and paternal chromosomes.

Process
- Homologous chromosomes—each made up of two sister chromatids—separate during the first anaphase of meiosis.
- The spindle fibers pull the homologous pairs that were aligned at the metaphase plate apart to the opposing poles of the cell.
- The centromeres do not separate, and the sister chromatids stay together, in contrast to mitosis.
Key Features
- The number of chromosomes is cut in half as a result of this separation (from diploid to haploid).
- Because homologous chromosomes vary independently, each pole obtains a mixture of paternal and maternal chromosomes.
- Recombination, or “crossing over,” increases genetic variety and takes place during prophase I.
Anaphase II in Meiosis
Anaphase II it occurs in the second round of meiotic division, which resembles mitotic division. Anaphase II of meiosis Sister chromatids split apart in a manner akin to mitosis, producing four haploid daughter cells that are genetically unique from one another as a result of independent assortment and recombination.

Process
- Each chromosome’s sister chromatids, which are now recognized as distinct chromosomes, split apart during anaphase II.
- Sister chromatids are drawn to the opposite poles of the cell by spindle fibers when the centromeres break.
- This procedure is comparable to what takes place during the mitotic anaphase.
Key Features
- The resultant daughter cells are all haploid, meaning they have one set of chromosomes in each.
- Because of the crossing over that took place during prophase I, the sister chromatids that split during anaphase II are not similar.
- This stage makes sure that every gamete (for mammals) or spore (for plants and fungi) has a distinct genetic composition.
Summary
- In anaphase of mitosis, two genetically identical diploid daughter cells are produced when sister chromatids split apart.
- During the first anaphase of meiosis, homologous chromosomes split, producing two haploid cells, each with a distinct chromosomal makeup.
- Anaphase II of meiosis: Sister chromatids split apart in a manner akin to mitosis, producing four haploid daughter cells that are genetically unique from one another as a result of independent assortment and recombination.
Gaining an understanding of Anaphase in Meiosis and Mitosis is crucial to understanding how organisms divide, grow, and create genetically varied progeny. By encouraging genetic variety through meiosis and ensuring the stability of an organism’s genome through mitosis, these mechanisms propel evolution and species adaptation. Anaphase in Meiosis and Mitosis is the phase of cell division that occurs during mitosis and meiosis when separated chromatids (or homologous [like] chromosome pairs, as in the initial meiotic division) travel in opposite directions toward the spindle apparatus poles. Anaphase is the phase of cell division that occurs during mitosis and meiosis when separated chromatids (or homologous [like] chromosome pairs, as in the initial meiotic division) travel in opposite directions toward the spindle apparatus poles.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
What is Anaphase in Mitosis and Meiosis ?
Anaphase in Mitosis and Meiosis is a critical phase where the chromosomes are separated and pulled toward opposite poles of the cell.
What is the stage of mitosis known as?
The stage of mitosis known as anaphase occurs when each chromosome’s sister chromatids split apart and are drawn in opposing directions to the poles of the cell.
Define meiosis?
Meiosis is the process that divides a cell’s chromosome count in half, producing four genetically distinct daughter cells that have half as many chromosomes as the parent cell.
State the two features of anaphase II in meiosis ?
The resultant daughter cells are all haploid, meaning they have one set of chromosomes in each.
Because of the crossing over that took place during prophase I, the sister chromatids that split during anaphase II are not similar.
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