During which phase of mitotic cell division do sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles of the spindle apparatus?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Anaphase is characterized by the breakdown of centromeric cohesion, allowing sister chromatids to separate and be pulled toward opposite poles by shortening kinetochore microtubules. Prophase involves chromosome condensation, metaphase aligns chromosomes at the equatorial plate, and telophase reforms nuclear envelopes around separated daughter sets. Mitosis ensures precise equal genetic distribution in somatic cell proliferation.