During the first metaphase of meiosis the centromeres

Options

A. undergo division
B. do not divide
C. divide but do not separate
D. are not identical

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Meiosis**: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four haploid cells. It consists of two main stages: Meiosis I and Meiosis II.

2. **Meiosis I**: This stage is known as the reduction division. During Meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are separated, and the chromosome number is reduced from diploid (2n) to haploid (n).

3. **Centromere Behavior in Meiosis I**: During the first metaphase of meiosis (Metaphase I), the centromeres do not divide. Each chromosome still has a single centromere, and the sister chromatids remain attached at their centromeres.

4. **Meiosis II**: In contrast, during Meiosis II, which resembles a normal mitotic division, the centromeres do divide. This results in the separation of sister chromatids, leading to the formation of four haploid cells.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, during the first metaphase of meiosis, the centromeres do not divide. They remain intact, holding the sister chromatids together until they are separated in Meiosis II.

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