Question

During anaphase 1 of meiosis,
A. Homologous chromosomes separate
B. Non-homologous chromosomes separate
C. Sister chromatids chromosome separate
D. non-sister chromatids chromosomes separate

Answer 1

Hint: The genetic material is transferred from the parents to the progeny. This transmission, replication and division of genetic material all occur in the nucleus of the cells. The mitosis and meiosis occur to carry out these procedures.

Complete answer:
During anaphase 1, two chromatids move as a unit from each of the tetrads to the pole of the spindle. The other two homologous chromatids move to the other pole. The homologous chromosomes are separated now. So in the prophase, we will see the half separated chromosome at the pole.
So the major work accomplished in anaphase 1 is the reduction of the number of chromosomes

> Option A: Homologous chromosomes separate: the homologous chromosomes on the poles get separated to reduce the number which can be seen in the prophase.

> Option B: Non-homologous chromosomes separate: the independent assortment of non-homologous chromosomes in the metaphase 1. This will result in each gamete having a mixture of genes from both the parents.

> Option C: Sister chromatids chromosome separate: Anaphase2 is the phase when the sister chromatids tend to separate by breaking the cohesion linkage in between the sister chromatids which was formed during prophase.

> Option D: Non-Sister chromatids chromosome separate: This happens in the meiosis but in the anaphase 2. They have the same genetic mass as one of the individual chromatids is made from the parent.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Anaphase 1 initiates when the two chromosomes of tetrad separate. Their movement towards the pole is the characteristic feature. The sister chromatids remain attached and their pairs move to the poles. They are joined at the centromere.