What occurs during Anaphase 1 of meiosis?

What occurs during Anaphase 1 of meiosis?

• A. Homologous chromosomes separate
• B. Sister chromatids separate
• C. Crossing over occurs
• D. Chromosomes line up at the equator

Answer: (A)

During Anaphase 1 of meiosis, homologous chromosomes are pulled apart and move to opposite poles of the cell. This stage follows Metaphase 1, where the homologous pairs are lined up at the equatorial plane. The key feature of Anaphase 1 is that entire chromosomes, each consisting of two sister chromatids, are segregated to opposite sides, ensuring that each daughter cell will receive one set of chromosomes from each pair of homologs. This separation is crucial for reducing the chromosome number by half, which is essential for sexual reproduction, as it leads to the formation of haploid gametes. Therefore, the correct answer correctly identifies the primary event taking place during this phase of meiosis.

During Anaphase 1 of meiosis, homologous chromosomes are pulled apart and move to opposite poles of the cell. This stage follows Metaphase 1, where the homologous pairs are lined up at the equatorial plane. The key feature of Anaphase 1 is that entire chromosomes, each consisting of two sister chromatids, are segregated to opposite sides, ensuring that each daughter cell will receive one set of chromosomes from each pair of homologs.

This separation is crucial for reducing the chromosome number by half, which is essential for sexual reproduction, as it leads to the formation of haploid gametes. Therefore, the correct answer correctly identifies the primary event taking place during this phase of meiosis.