Which of the following statements is true of metaphase I of meiosis I?
A) Joined homologous pair uniformly line up on the equatorial spindle with chromosome one at the top and chromosome 23 on the bottom.
B) Tetrads align randomly on the spindle equator with all the maternal homologs on one side and all the paternal homologs on the opposite side.
C) Homologous pairs align randomly on the spindle equator with a mix of paternal and maternal homologs destined for each of the daughter cells.
D) The sister chromatids line up randomly on the spindle equator with some maternal and paternal chromatids on both sides of the equator.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In metaphase I of meiosis I, homologous pairs align randomly on the spindle equator with a mix of paternal and maternal homologs destined for each of the daughter cells. This is known as independent assortment, which is a random arrangement of homologous chromosome pairs on the metaphase plate. It is this random alignment that contributes to genetic diversity in offspring. Choice A is incorrect as each homologous pair can align differently. Choice B is incorrect as tetrads do not separate until anaphase I, and there would not be a clear separation of maternal and paternal homologs in metaphase I. Choice D is incorrect as sister chromatids of each chromosome would not be present until after the two homologous chromosomes separate in anaphase I.

Which of the Following Statements Is True of Metaphase I