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Multiple Choice
What is the primary difference between Metaphase I and Metaphase II in meiosis?
A
In Metaphase I, the nuclear envelope is intact, while in Metaphase II, it is broken down.
B
In Metaphase I, chromosomes are not aligned at the equatorial plate, while in Metaphase II, they are.
C
In Metaphase I, homologous chromosomes line up at the equatorial plate, while in Metaphase II, sister chromatids line up at the equatorial plate.
D
In Metaphase I, sister chromatids line up at the equatorial plate, while in Metaphase II, homologous chromosomes line up at the equatorial plate.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of meiosis: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid cells. It consists of two stages: Meiosis I and Meiosis II.
Identify the key events in Metaphase I: During Metaphase I, homologous chromosomes (pairs of chromosomes, one from each parent) line up at the equatorial plate. This is crucial for the separation of homologous chromosomes during Anaphase I.
Identify the key events in Metaphase II: In Metaphase II, the chromosomes that were separated in Meiosis I are now composed of sister chromatids. These sister chromatids line up at the equatorial plate, preparing for their separation during Anaphase II.
Compare the alignment of chromosomes: The primary difference between Metaphase I and Metaphase II is the type of chromosomes that line up at the equatorial plate. In Metaphase I, homologous chromosomes line up, whereas in Metaphase II, sister chromatids line up.
Clarify the significance of these differences: The alignment of homologous chromosomes in Metaphase I is essential for genetic diversity through recombination and independent assortment, while the alignment of sister chromatids in Metaphase II ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.