Pronunciation: [ˈanɐfˌe͡ɪzɪz] (IPA) 
The word "Anaphases" is spelled with a letter "h" that is not pronounced. This is because the word is derived from the Greek word "anaphasis," where the "h" is not pronounced in the original language. The correct phonetic transcription of "Anaphases" is [əˈnæfəsiz], with the stress on the second syllable. In biology, Anaphase refers to the stage in cell division where the chromosomes separate and move to opposite ends of the cell.
Anaphases refer to the chromosomal separation process that occurs during cell division, specifically in mitosis or meiosis. It represents a distinct stage within these cellular processes, where the genetic material condenses and separates into two sets of chromosomes that will eventually form two daughter cells.
During anaphases, sister chromatids, which are exact copies of each chromosome, separate and move towards opposite poles of the dividing cell. This is made possible by the action of spindle fibers, microtubules that extend from opposite ends (pole to pole) of the cell and attach to kinetochores, protein complexes found on the centromeres of the chromosomes. The spindle fibers shorten, pulling the sister chromatids apart.
In mitosis, the anaphase stage follows the metaphase stage, where chromosomes align along the cell's equator. As anaphase commences, the sister chromatids separate, and each chromatid is now regarded as an individual chromosome in its own right. This forms the basis for the cells to equally distribute the genetic material to the forming daughter cells.
In meiosis, there are two consecutive anaphase stages, known as anaphase I and anaphase II. Anaphase I involves the separation of homologous chromosomes, while anaphase II separates sister chromatids, similar to mitosis.
Overall, anaphases represent a critical phase in cell division, playing a vital role in achieving the accurate distribution of genetic material to ensure the formation of genetically identical or diverse daughter cells, depending on the cellular process.
The word "anaphases" is derived from the Greek prefix "ana-" meaning "up" or "again" and the Greek noun "phásis" meaning "making an appearance" or "phase". In the context of biology, "anaphase" refers to the stage of mitosis or meiosis when the chromosomes move away from each other towards opposite poles of the dividing cell. The plural form "anaphases" indicates multiple instances of this process.
