During the meiotic division, at which stage the homologous chromosomes separate without the sister chromatids breaking apart ?

Options

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

Answer

To solve the question regarding the stage of meiotic division where homologous chromosomes separate without sister chromatids breaking apart, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Homologous Chromosomes**:
- Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content. Each pair consists of one chromosome from the mother and one from the father.

**Hint**: Remember that homologous chromosomes are similar but not identical; they carry the same genes but may have different alleles.

2. **Meiosis Overview**:
- Meiosis consists of two main divisions: Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Each of these divisions has several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

**Hint**: Meiosis is a reduction division that results in four genetically diverse gametes.

3. **Identifying the Phases**:
- In Meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are separated, while in Meiosis II, the sister chromatids are separated.

**Hint**: Focus on the difference between the separation of homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids.

4. **Analyzing Anaphase I**:
- During Anaphase I of Meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell. Importantly, the sister chromatids remain attached at their centromeres.

**Hint**: Anaphase I is characterized by the movement of whole chromosomes (homologous pairs) rather than the separation of sister chromatids.

5. **Analyzing Anaphase II**:
- In Anaphase II, which occurs in Meiosis II, the sister chromatids are separated and move to opposite poles. This is not the phase we are looking for.

**Hint**: Anaphase II is similar to mitosis, where sister chromatids are separated.

6. **Conclusion**:
- The stage during meiotic division where homologous chromosomes separate without the sister chromatids breaking apart is **Anaphase I**.

**Final Answer**: The answer is **Anaphase I**.