During which of the following processes do sister chromatids separate from each other?

• A. During meiosis I only.
• B. During meiosis II only.
• C. During both mitosis and meiosis I.
• D. During both mitosis and meiosis II.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic definitions: Sister chromatids are identical copies of a single chromosome that are connected by a centromere. They are crucial during cell division.
2. Review the stages of mitosis: In mitosis, sister chromatids separate during anaphase. This is when the centromeres split and the chromatids are pulled to opposite poles of the cell.
3. Examine meiosis: Meiosis consists of two rounds of division, meiosis I and meiosis II. In meiosis I, homologous chromosomes (not sister chromatids) separate. In meiosis II, similar to mitosis, sister chromatids separate.
4. Compare the processes: In mitosis, sister chromatids separate during anaphase. In meiosis II, sister chromatids also separate during anaphase II. Therefore, sister chromatids separate during both mitosis and meiosis II.
5. Conclude the analysis: Based on the understanding of these processes, the correct answer is that sister chromatids separate during both mitosis and meiosis II.