The correct answer is: C. Early anaphase.
Chromosomes start separating at the beginning of anaphase. During anaphase, the spindle fibers contract, pulling the sister chromatids apart to opposite poles of the cell. This process is mediated by the anaphase-promoting complex (APC), which is a protein complex that triggers the destruction of the cohesin proteins that hold the sister chromatids together. Once the sister chromatids are separated, they are referred to as daughter chromosomes.
Metaphase is the stage of mitosis in which the chromosomes are aligned at the metaphase plate. The spindle fibers are attached to the centromeres of the chromosomes, and the chromosomes are in a condensed state.
Telophase is the final stage of mitosis, in which the nuclear envelope reforms around the daughter chromosomes, and the cytoplasm divides to form two daughter cells.
Early anaphase is the stage of mitosis in which the sister chromatids are separated and begin to move towards opposite poles of the cell. This process is mediated by the anaphase-promoting complex (APC), which is a protein complex that triggers the destruction of the cohesin proteins that hold the sister chromatids together. Once the sister chromatids are separated, they are referred to as daughter chromosomes.