During metaphase chromosomes are shortest and thickest. The structure, size and number of chromosomes in a cell can be studied at metaphase. In the prophase chromosomes appear as thin threads and they start to condense. Each prophasic chromosome consists of two chromatids. In anaphae the centromere divides, simultaneously resulting in separation of sister chromatids in all the chromosomes and now called daughter chromosomes. During telophase the chromosomes segregate at the poles and each chromosome uncoil.