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Multiple Choice
In which stage of meiosis is the chromosome number halved?
A
Telophase II
B
Prophase I
C
Anaphase I
D
Metaphase I
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid cells from one diploid cell.
Recall that meiosis consists of two consecutive divisions: Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Each division has several stages: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.
In Meiosis I, homologous chromosomes (each consisting of two sister chromatids) are separated. This is the key step where the chromosome number is halved.
During Anaphase I, homologous chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell. This separation reduces the chromosome number from diploid to haploid.
Recognize that in Meiosis II, the sister chromatids are separated, but the chromosome number does not change further. Therefore, the halving of the chromosome number occurs during Anaphase I.