Question

In which phase of meiosis, the homologous chromosomes separate while sister chromatids remain associated at their centromeres?

• A. Prophase I
• B. Telophase I
• C. Metaphase I
• D. Anaphase I

Hint:

Homologous chromosomes separate in anaphase I, while sister chromatids separate in anaphase II.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept:
Meiosis is a reduction division in which chromosome number is reduced to half. It occurs in two divisions: meiosis I and meiosis II.

Step 1: Understand meiosis I.
During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes separate from each other. \[ \text{Homologous chromosomes separate} \rightarrow \text{Meiosis I} \]

Step 2: Identify the exact phase.
In anaphase I, homologous chromosomes move towards opposite poles, but sister chromatids remain joined at their centromeres. \[ \text{Anaphase I} \rightarrow \text{separation of homologous chromosomes} \]

Step 3: Compare with anaphase II.
In anaphase II, sister chromatids separate. But the question says sister chromatids remain associated, so it must be anaphase I. \[ \therefore \text{Correct Answer is (D)} \]