Question

A cell with 23 chromosomes undergoes mitosis. What will be the chromosome number of the cell during metaphase and during anaphase?

Answer 1

• During Metaphase: The chromosome number is 23. Each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids joined at a single centromere aligned at the center of the cell.
• During Anaphase: The chromosome number temporarily doubles to 46. This happens because the centromeres split, separating the sister chromatids into individual, independent chromosomes moving toward opposite poles.