What checkpoint mechanism ensures all chromosomes are attached to the spindle fibers before anaphase begins?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A) Prometaphase is the correct answer because it is the stage of mitosis where all chromosomes are attached to the spindle fibers before anaphase begins. During prometaphase, the nuclear envelope breaks down, allowing the spindle fibers to attach to the kinetochores of the chromosomes. This attachment is necessary for proper chromosome alignment and segregation during anaphase.
B) Metaphase is incorrect because it is the stage where chromosomes are aligned at the metaphase plate but do not necessarily have all spindle fibers attached.
C) Cyclin degradation is incorrect because it is a regulatory mechanism that controls the progression of the cell cycle but is not specifically related to ensuring all chromosomes are attached to spindle fibers.
D) Sister chromatid cohesion is incorrect because it refers to the physical connection between sister chromatids that is maintained until anaphase, but it does not ensure that all chromosomes are attached to spindle fibers.