What is the primary function of Separase in cell division?

Separase plays a crucial role in cell division, specifically during the anaphase stage of mitosis and meiosis. Its primary function is to cleave cohesin, the protein complex that holds sister chromatids together. By breaking down cohesin, separase facilitates the separation of sister chromatids, allowing them to move toward opposite poles of the cell. This action is essential for ensuring that each daughter cell receives the correct number of chromosomes.

Cohesin is critical for maintaining chromatid cohesion until the cell is ready for division; during anaphase, the activation of separase triggers this cohesion's breakdown, leading to the completion of chromosome segregation. This mechanism is vital for genetic stability and the proper distribution of genetic material to daughter cells.