Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following diagrams best represents Anaphase I of meiosis?
A
Homologous chromosomes are being pulled to opposite poles, but sister chromatids remain attached.
B
Sister chromatids are being separated and pulled to opposite poles.
C
Chromatin is decondensing and nuclear envelopes are reforming.
D
Chromosomes are aligned single file at the metaphase plate.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the stages of meiosis: Meiosis consists of two divisions, Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Anaphase I occurs during Meiosis I, where homologous chromosomes are separated, while sister chromatids remain attached.
Recall the key event of Anaphase I: Homologous chromosomes (pairs of chromosomes, one from each parent) are pulled to opposite poles of the cell by spindle fibers. This is different from Anaphase II, where sister chromatids are separated.
Eliminate incorrect options: The option 'Sister chromatids are being separated and pulled to opposite poles' describes Anaphase II, not Anaphase I. Similarly, 'Chromatin is decondensing and nuclear envelopes are reforming' describes Telophase, and 'Chromosomes are aligned single file at the metaphase plate' describes Metaphase.
Focus on the correct description: The correct representation of Anaphase I is 'Homologous chromosomes are being pulled to opposite poles, but sister chromatids remain attached.' This matches the key event of Anaphase I in meiosis.
Visualize the process: Imagine homologous chromosomes being separated to opposite poles of the cell, while the sister chromatids within each chromosome remain connected at the centromere. This ensures the reduction of chromosome number in the resulting cells.