Question: 157: Select the incorrect statement with reference to mitosis:
(1) Chromosomes decondense at telophase
(2) Splitting of centromere occurs at anaphase
(3) All the chromosomes lie at the equator at metaphase
(4) Spindle fibres attach to centromere of chromosomes
Answer: Option (4)
Explanation:
Mitosis is a type of cell division that ensures equal distribution of chromosomes to daughter cells.
During telophase, chromosomes uncoil and decondense to form chromatin,
so statement (1) is correct.
At anaphase, the centromeres split, allowing sister chromatids to separate and move towards opposite poles, making statement (2) correct.
In metaphase, all chromosomes align at the equatorial plane of the cell,
hence statement (3) is correct.
Spindle fibres do not attach directly to the centromere; instead,
they attach to a specialized protein structure called the kinetochore present on the centromere.
Therefore, statement (4) is incorrect.