Meaning & use
anaphase
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Meaning
noununcountabletechnicalbiology
The stage of cell division when copied chromosomes pull apart and move to opposite ends of the cell.
Grammar: Used without 'a' or 'the' in scientific writing: 'during anaphase'.
Patterns
- during anaphase
- in anaphase
- the onset of anaphase
In anaphase, the sister chromatids separate and travel toward opposite poles.
The microscope image clearly showed cells in anaphase.
Errors during anaphase can lead to cells with the wrong number of chromosomes.
Common combinations
- during anaphase
- The spindle fibers shorten during anaphase.
- early anaphase
- Early anaphase is marked by the splitting of centromeres.
- late anaphase
- By late anaphase, the chromosomes have almost reached the poles.
- anaphase onset
- Anaphase onset is triggered by the separation of sister chromatids.
Word family
- anaphasic adjective
- Relating to anaphase, as in 'anaphasic movement'.
Commonly confused: anaphase or metaphase? anaphase or telophase?
anaphase vs metaphase
Metaphase is the stage before anaphase, when chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell; anaphase is when they separate.
anaphase vs telophase
Telophase is the final stage after anaphase, when the cell divides into two.
Practice
During which stage of mitosis do chromosomes move to opposite ends of the cell?
Choose one answer.
Anaphase is defined by the separation and movement of chromosomes to opposite poles. Metaphase is when they align, and telophase is when the cell divides.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “anaphase”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.