Sister chromatids

Sister chromatids are two copies of the same chromosome generated when the chromosome is replicated during synthesis phase (S) of interphase stage before mitotic division starts [Figure 1]. In Meiosis, the two sister chromatids are joined together by cohesin compexes along their bodies . The two sister chromatids are segregated from each other into two different daughter cells during mitosis. During prophase stage, sister chromatids are observed to be attached together at centromere. At metaphase stage, chromosomes align singly on the equator and spindle fibres begin to attach to the kinetochores proteins found at centromere of the sister chromatids. The centromere of every chromosome then divides at anaphase stage, leading the separation of the two sister chromatids and each sister chromatid becomes individual chromosome, which is pulled by microtubules to opposite poles. These separated sister chromatids start to uncoil and elongate to form chromatin fibres in two separate daughter cells during telophase and cytokinesis. Hence, sister chromatid cohesion is important for the correct distribution of genetic information between daughter cells and the repair of damaged chromosomes. Errors in the segregations and other mitotic processes may lead to aneuploidy and cancer, especially when checkpoints fail to detect DNA damage or dysfunctional mitotic spindles formation.