Sister Chromatids Joined at Centromere in Early Mitosis

Steps:

• Replicated chromosomes enter mitosis as two sister chromatids joined at the centromere.
• In prophase, chromosomes condense, making the paired chromatids visible and attached.
• In metaphase, chromosomes align at the equator with centromeres intact, holding chromatids together.
• In anaphase, centromeres split, separating chromatids to opposite poles.

Why C is correct:

• Prophase and metaphase occur before centromere division, so sister chromatids remain attached per mitosis stage definitions.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Anaphase separates chromatids; telophase features decondensing individual chromosomes.
• B: Anaphase involves chromatid separation, unlike prophase.
• D: Telophase follows separation, with chromatids as distinct chromosomes.

Final answer: C