The longest phase in meiotic division is :-

Options

A. Prophase - I
B. Metaphase - I
C. Prophase - II
D. Anaphase - I

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Meiotic Division**: Meiotic division consists of two rounds of division: meiosis I and meiosis II. Each round has several phases, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

2. **Identifying the Phases**: In meiosis I, the phases are:
- Prophase I
- Metaphase I
- Anaphase I
- Telophase I

In meiosis II, the phases are:
- Prophase II
- Metaphase II
- Anaphase II
- Telophase II

3. **Focusing on Prophase I**: Prophase I is the longest phase of meiotic division. It is further divided into five sub-stages:
- **Leptotene**: Chromosomes begin to condense and become visible.
- **Zygotene**: Homologous chromosomes begin to pair up (synapsis) and form a synaptonemal complex.
- **Pachytene**: Crossing over occurs between non-sister chromatids, exchanging genetic material.
- **Diplotene**: The synaptonemal complex begins to disappear, and homologous chromosomes start to separate.
- **Diakinesis**: Chromosomes condense further and prepare for metaphase.

4. **Comparing Other Phases**:
- **Metaphase I**: Involves the alignment of homologous pairs on the metaphase plate. It is shorter than prophase I.
- **Prophase II**: This phase is shorter than prophase I and does not have the same complexity.
- **Anaphase I**: This phase involves the movement of homologous chromosomes to opposite poles and is also shorter than prophase I.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the longest phase in meiotic division is **Prophase I**.

**Final Answer**: The longest phase in meiotic division is Prophase I.

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