Anaphase is a the third step of .

Mitosis is a process that assures equal distribution of replicated chromosomes to daughter cells.

During interphase, the chromosomes replicated, so that each chromosome has two chromatids.

After prophase and metaphase, the chromatids are pulled to opposite poles of the cell. For example, a human somatic cell has 46 chromosomes. During anaphase when the chromatids are separated and pulled to opposite poles, the cell momentarily has 92 chromosomes, because these chromatids are classified as distinct chromosomes.

Telophase is the final phase and during cytokinesis, when a new forms, the cell splits into two new daughter cells which each possess 46 chromosomes.