Question

what is the difference between meiosis i and meiosis ii? a. meiosis i separates homologous chromosomes and meiosis ii separates sister chromatids. b. at the end of meiosis ii, the cells are diploid. c. at the end of meiosis i, the cells are diploid. d. meiosis i separates sister chromatids and meiosis ii separates homologous chromosomes.

Explanation:

• Meiosis I: Homologous chromosomes pair up (synapsis), exchange genetic material (crossing - over), and then separate. This reduces the chromosome number from diploid (2n) to haploid (n) in the daughter cells.
• Meiosis II: It is similar to mitosis. Sister chromatids, which are held together at the centromere, separate.
• Option B: At the end of meiosis II, the cells are haploid (\(n\)), not diploid (\(2n\)).
• Option C: At the end of meiosis I, the cells are haploid (\(n\)) because homologous chromosomes have separated.
• Option D: The correct separation is meiosis I separating homologous chromosomes and meiosis II separating sister chromatids, not the other way around as stated in this option.

Answer:

A. Meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes and meiosis II separates sister chromatids.