Question

Identify the meiotic stage in which homologous chromosomes separate while the sister chromatids remain associated at their centromeres.

• A. Metaphase II
• B. Anaphase I
• C. Anaphase II
• D. Metaphase I

Answer 1

The correct option is B Anaphase I

A couple of homologous chromosomes, or homologs, are a set of one maternal chromosome and one paternal chromosome that pair up with each other inside a cell during meiosis. These copies have the same genes in the same locations, or loci. These loci provide points along each chromosome which enable a pair of chromosomes to align correctly with each other before separating during meiosis. In anaphase I, of meiosis I the homologous chromosomes are pulled apart from each other. The homologs are cleaved by the enzyme separase to release the cohesin that held the homologous chromosome arms together. This allows the chiasmata to release and the homologs to move to opposite poles of the cell