The word Anaphage is formed from the Greek words ana meaning motion and phage meaning state. Anaphase is the shortest phase. In this state, the chromosomes move toward each other’s poles, so it is called the motility phase.
During anaphase, the number of chromosomes in cells doubles that of the parent cell. Homozygous chromosomes produced from the same chromosome repel each other. Chromosomes are moved by the contraction of attraction fibers and elongation of the stem body. Chromosomes run at opposite poles. Half of the extraneous chromosomes run towards one pole and the other half towards the other pole. During polar movement, the centromere is the leader and the armature is the follower. Such poleward movement of chromosomes is called chromosomal movement or anaphase movement. In animal cells, the filaments join together to form interzonal fibers or stem bodies. The stem body helps the chromosomes to move towards the poles. Chromosomes are shaped like English letters V, L, J or I at the polar regions. Anaphase or the phase of motion is completed when the missing chromosomes reach the poles.