ANAPHASE Meaning and
Definition
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Anaphase is a crucial stage in the process of cell division, specifically during mitosis or meiosis. It is the third phase of mitosis and the second phase of meiosis. Anaphase is characterized by the separation and migration of chromosomes towards opposite poles of the dividing cell.
During anaphase, the microtubules present in the cell's cytoskeleton start to contract and shorten. This contraction leads to the pulling apart of sister chromatids, which are identical copies of chromosomes joined together by a central region called the centromere. As the chromatids are divided, they become independent daughter chromosomes.
The two sets of chromosomes, known as homologous chromosomes in meiosis or replicated chromosomes in mitosis, are systematically segregated to opposite ends of the cell through the action of the contracting microtubules. This ensures that each resulting daughter cell receives an equal set of genetic information from the parental cell.
The completion of anaphase is marked by the formation of two distinct groups of chromosomes at opposing poles of the cell. Following anaphase, the cell progresses into the final stages of cell division, known as telophase in mitosis and cytokinesis in both mitosis and meiosis.
In summary, anaphase is the phase of cell division where the replicated chromosomes are separated and move towards opposite poles, ensuring equal distribution of genetic material among the daughter cells.
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The constructive stage in mitosis, during which the halves of the divided chromosomes pass toward the poles of the spindle and become united into spiremes, building up the daughter nuclei.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ANAPHASE
Etymology of ANAPHASE
The word "anaphase" originates from the Greek roots "ana" meaning "up" or "back" and "phasis" meaning "appearance" or "phase". Anaphase refers to the stage of cell division in which the duplicated chromosomes separate and move towards opposite ends (poles) of the cell. The term was coined by German biologist Walther Flemming in the late 19th century to describe this specific phase of mitosis.
Similar spelling words for ANAPHASE
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