Which phase of mitosis involves the separation of sister chromatids?

The phase of mitosis that involves the separation of sister chromatids is anaphase. During this stage, the cohesin proteins that hold the sister chromatids together are cleaved, allowing them to move apart. The spindle fibers pull the separated chromatids toward opposite poles of the cell, ensuring that each resulting daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes. This separation is crucial for maintaining the correct chromosome number in the daughter cells, which is a fundamental aspect of cellular division and growth.

In contrast, prophase is characterized by the condensation of chromatin into visible chromosomes and the beginning of spindle formation, while metaphase aligns the chromosomes at the cell's equatorial plane. Telophase occurs after the chromatids have separated, where the cell begins to revert back to its interphase state, including the reformation of the nuclear envelope. Understanding these distinct phases helps clarify the entire process of mitosis and the role each phase plays in cell division.