What happens during Anaphase I of meiosis?

• A. Chromosomes line up at the metaphase plate.
• B. The nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes.
• C. Homologous chromosomes are pulled to opposite poles of the cell.
• D. Sister chromatids are separated and move to opposite poles.

Answer: (C)

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. It consists of two stages: Meiosis I and Meiosis II.
2. Recognize that Anaphase I is a part of Meiosis I. During this phase, homologous chromosomes, which are pairs of chromosomes containing the same genes but possibly different alleles, are separated.
3. In Anaphase I, the spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of each homologous chromosome pair. These fibers then contract, pulling the homologous chromosomes apart.
4. The homologous chromosomes are pulled towards opposite poles of the cell. This separation reduces the chromosome number by half, which is a key feature of meiosis.
5. Note that unlike mitosis, sister chromatids remain together during Anaphase I. The separation of sister chromatids occurs later in Meiosis II.