How does Anaphase II differ from Anaphase I in meiosis?

• A. Anaphase II involves crossing over, while Anaphase I does not.
• B. Anaphase II results in diploid cells, while Anaphase I results in haploid cells.
• C. Anaphase II occurs before cytokinesis, while Anaphase I occurs after cytokinesis.
• D. Anaphase II involves the separation of sister chromatids, while Anaphase I involves the separation of homologous chromosomes.

Answer: (D)

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, resulting in the production of gametes or spores. It consists of two consecutive divisions: Meiosis I and Meiosis II.
2. Identify the key events in Anaphase I: During Anaphase I, homologous chromosomes are separated and pulled to opposite poles of the cell. This reduces the chromosome number by half, transitioning from diploid to haploid cells.
3. Identify the key events in Anaphase II: In Anaphase II, the sister chromatids of each chromosome are separated and pulled to opposite poles. This is similar to the process in mitosis, but it occurs in haploid cells.
4. Compare the separation process: Anaphase I involves the separation of homologous chromosomes, while Anaphase II involves the separation of sister chromatids. This distinction is crucial for understanding the different outcomes of each phase.
5. Clarify the result of each phase: Anaphase I results in cells that are haploid, with each chromosome consisting of two sister chromatids. Anaphase II results in cells that remain haploid, but each chromosome is now a single chromatid.