Definition of Anaphase

Anaphase is the fourth stage in the process of mitosis. At the beginning of anaphase, the sister chromatids, which are the identical copies of the chromosomes joined at the centromere, are arranged in the form of an equatorial plate. During anaphase, the pair of chromosomes get separated and form two identical chromosomes. The mitotic spindles are the tool that separates them.

They are composed of long tubular proteins known as microtubules. Their one end is attached to the centromere and the other to the pole of the cell. The chromosomes get separated when these spindle fibers pull them to the opposite poles. This phase makes sure that the daughter cells receive an identical set of chromosomes.