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Identify the meiotic stage in which the homologous chromosomes separate while the sister chromatids remain associated at their centromeres.
A
Anaphase II
B
Metaphase I
C
Metaphase II
D
Anaphase I
Detailed Solution
In metaphase I, the bivalents (pairs of homologous chromosomes) only align on the equatorial plate; nothing separates yet.
In anaphase I, the homologous chromosomes of each bivalent separate and move to opposite poles, while the two sister chromatids of each chromosome remain associated at their centromere.
In metaphase II, individual chromosomes align at the equator.
In anaphase II, the centromere of each chromosome splits and the sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
Hence the stage described is anaphase I.
In anaphase I, the homologous chromosomes of each bivalent separate and move to opposite poles, while the two sister chromatids of each chromosome remain associated at their centromere.
In metaphase II, individual chromosomes align at the equator.
In anaphase II, the centromere of each chromosome splits and the sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
Hence the stage described is anaphase I.