Which represents prophase and anaphase?

• A. 1 and 3
• B. 2 and 4
• C. 1 and 2
• D. 3 and 4

Answer: (A)

Mitosis stages are defined by distinct chromosome behaviors, and recognizing prophase versus anaphase comes down to these key cues. In prophase, chromosomes condense and become visible, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers start to form. In anaphase, the sister chromatids separate at the centromeres and are pulled toward opposite poles, causing the cell to elongate as the poles move apart. The pairing that matches these events shows the chromosomes condensing with the nuclear envelope dissolving, followed by the chromatids splitting and moving toward opposite ends. The other visuals depict processes like chromosomes aligning at the center or the nuclear envelope re-forming, which are characteristic of metaphase and telophase, not prophase and anaphase.