What is the correct order of phases for Meiosis I and Meiosis II?

• A. Prophase I, Metaphase I, Telophase I, Anaphase I, Prophase II, Metaphase II, Telophase II, Anaphase II
• B. Prophase I, Anaphase I, Metaphase I, Telophase I, Prophase II, Anaphase II, Metaphase II, Telophase II
• C. Metaphase I, Prophase I, Anaphase I, Telophase I, Metaphase II, Prophase II, Anaphase II, Telophase II
• D. Prophase I, Metaphase I, Anaphase I, Telophase I, Prophase II, Metaphase II, Anaphase II, Telophase II

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding that meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid cells. It consists of two sequential stages: Meiosis I and Meiosis II.
2. In Meiosis I, the goal is to separate homologous chromosomes. The phases proceed in the following order: Prophase I, Metaphase I, Anaphase I, and Telophase I. During Prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair and exchange segments in a process called crossing over.
3. Metaphase I follows, where paired homologous chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plate. Anaphase I is characterized by the separation of homologous chromosomes to opposite poles of the cell.
4. Telophase I concludes Meiosis I with the formation of two new nuclei, each containing half the original number of chromosomes. Cytokinesis often occurs, resulting in two haploid cells.
5. Meiosis II resembles mitosis, where sister chromatids are separated. The phases are: Prophase II, Metaphase II, Anaphase II, and Telophase II. In Prophase II, chromosomes condense again, and in Metaphase II, they align at the equatorial plate. Anaphase II involves the separation of sister chromatids, and Telophase II results in the formation of four haploid cells.