Question
Biology Question on cell cycle and cell division
Identify the meiotic stage in which the homologous chromosomes separate while the sister chromatids remain associated at their centromeres
A
Metaphase I
B
Metaphase II
C
Anaphase I
D
Anaphase II
Answer
Anaphase I
Explanation
Solution
During anaphase I, from each tetrad two chromatids of a chromosome move as a unit (dyad) to one pole of a spindle, and the remaining two chromatids of its homologue migrate to the opposite pole. Thus, the homologous chromosomes of each pair, rather than the chromatids of a chromosome, are separated. As a result, half of the chromosomes, which appear in early prophase, go to each pole. Thus the paternal and maternal chromosomes of each homologous pair segregate during anaphase 1 independently of the other chromosomes.