Question

in a cell undergoing meiosis, if homologous chromosomes are aligned at the equator of the meiotic spindle, what process has occurred?
metaphase ii
metaphase i
prophase i
prophase ii

Explanation:

• In meiosis I, homologous chromosomes pair up. In metaphase I, these homologous chromosome pairs align at the equator of the cell.
• In metaphase II, sister chromatids (not homologous chromosomes) align at the equator.
• In prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair (synapsis) and exchange genetic material (crossing - over), but they are not yet aligned at the equator.
• In prophase II, there are no homologous chromosomes (as they were separated in meiosis I), and the focus is on the preparation for the second meiotic division.

Answer:

metaphase I