Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Practice Exam

What is the primary role of the daughter chromosomes during anaphase?

1. To align at the equator

2. To move toward cell poles

3. To condense and become visible

4. To replicate DNA

The correct answer is: To move toward cell poles

During anaphase, the primary role of daughter chromosomes is to move toward opposite poles of the cell. This process occurs after the sister chromatids have been separated, ensuring that each new daughter cell will receive an exact copy of the genetic material. As the spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromatids and shorten, they pull the sister chromatids apart and toward the opposite ends of the cell. This movement is crucial for the equitable distribution of genetic information during cell division, specifically during mitosis and meiosis. The successful separation and migration of daughter chromosomes help establish two distinct nuclei in the dividing cell, setting the stage for eventual cytokinesis.