In anaphase of mitosis, sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite spindle poles with their:

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Centromeres leading toward the poles and chromosome arms trailing behind

  1. Step 1: At the onset of mitotic Anaphase, the centromeric cohesion between sister chromatids is cleaved by the protease separase.
  2. Step 2: Kinetochore microtubules shorten via depolymerization at their plus and minus ends, exerting poleward traction.
  3. Step 3: Because tension is applied directly to the kinetochores on the centromere, the centromere leads toward the spindle pole while the flexible chromosome arms trail behind.
Answer
Centromeres leading toward the poles and chromosome arms trailing behind.
Why not the others: Chromosome arms leading reverses the physics of mechanical pulling at the kinetochore; Centromeres aligned perpendicularly contradicts the directional drag along the spindle axis; Kinetochores detached would cause loss of chromosome motility.

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