NCIt definition : The faithful segregation of genetic information requires highly orchestrated changes
of chromosome structure during the mitotic cell cycle. The linkage between duplicated
sister DNAs is established during S phase and maintained throughout G2 phase (cohesion).
In early mitosis, dramatic structural changes occur to produce metaphase chromosomes,
each consisting of a pair of compacted sister chromatids (condensation). At anaphase
onset, a signal is produced to disrupt the linkage between sister chromatids (separation),
allowing them to be pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell. (from PubMed 10966455);