What do sister chromatids refer to?

Sister chromatids refer to identical copies of a chromosome that are formed during DNA replication. After a chromosome is replicated, it consists of two identical halves, which are the sister chromatids. These chromatids are joined together at a region called the centromere and are crucial during cell division, as they ensure that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the genetic material. This mechanism is essential for maintaining genetic consistency across generations of cells.

Understanding sister chromatids is important because they play a key role during the phases of mitosis and meiosis, specifically in ensuring that the correct distribution of genetic information occurs during cell division.