Practice question

Segregation of sister chromatids occurs during anaphase II of meiosis when centromeric cohesin is cleaved by separase, sister kinetochores pulled toward opposite poles. At this stage cells are already haploid after meiosis I, so division resembles mitotic separation, maintaining ploidy while distributing recombinant chromosomes carrying crossover products. Chromatids bearing different alleles after exchange go to distinct gametes. Anaphase I separates homologs, metaphase I aligns bivalents, prophase II prepares spindle without segregation, timing critical for haploid gamete fidelity. Cytological correlation with prophase pairing, metaphase alignment and anaphase separation provides visual anchor for memorising genetic laws.