How does a tetrad form during prophase I of meiosis?

• A. Two replicated chromosomes align independently at the metaphase plate, and this alignment is called a tetrad.
• B. Sister chromatids separate at the centromere and then rejoin with non-sister chromatids to create a four-chromatid structure.
• C. A haploid set of chromosomes replicates and immediately forms tetrads without homologous pairing.
• D. Homologous chromosomes undergo synapsis and pair along their lengths, producing a structure containing four chromatids (a tetrad).

Answer: (D)