At the start of mitotic anaphase, the final stage of the eukaryotic cell cycle, several significant events take place within the cell. Anaphase is characterized by the separation of the two sister chromatids, which were previously replicated during the S phase of interphase, and their movement towards opposite poles of the cell.
One of the key events that occurs at the start of anaphase is the activation of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC). This protein complex, which is also known as the cyclosome, is responsible for the degradation of proteins that inhibit anaphase, including the mitotic cyclins and the protein securin. The APC is activated by the ubiquitination and subsequent proteolysis of these inhibitory proteins, which releases the mitotic spindle fibers from their inhibitory bonds and allows them to begin separating the sister chromatids.
Another important event that takes place at the start of anaphase is the breakdown of the nuclear envelope. The nuclear envelope is a double membrane that surrounds the nucleus and separates the nuclear contents from the cytoplasm. During prophase, the nuclear envelope begins to disintegrate, and by the start of anaphase it is completely broken down. This breakdown is necessary for the movement of the sister chromatids to the poles of the cell, as it allows the mitotic spindle fibers to extend into the nucleus and make contact with the chromatids.
In addition to the activation of the APC and the breakdown of the nuclear envelope, the start of anaphase is also marked by the separation of the centrosomes, which are organelles that play a key role in the formation of the mitotic spindle. During prophase, the centrosomes begin to migrate towards opposite poles of the cell, and by the start of anaphase they have reached their final positions. Once they are in place, they begin to form the mitotic spindle, which is a network of microtubules that extends from one centrosome to the other. The mitotic spindle is responsible for pulling the sister chromatids to opposite poles of the cell.
Overall, the start of mitotic anaphase is a critical point in the cell cycle, as it marks the beginning of the separation of the replicated chromosomes and the onset of cell division. The events that take place at this time, including the activation of the APC, the breakdown of the nuclear envelope, and the separation of the centrosomes, are all essential for the proper segregation of the genetic material and the formation of two daughter cells.