Metaphase II involves which arrangement of chromosomes?

Metaphase II involves which arrangement of chromosomes?

• A. The chromosomes line up at the metaphase plate.
• B. Homologous pairs separate.
• C. The nucleus dissolves.
• D. Sister chromatids remain attached and do not align.

Answer: (A)

In metaphase II, duplicated chromosomes line up individually along the metaphase plate, with each chromosome consisting of two sister chromatids held together at the centromere. Spindle fibers attach to kinetochores from opposite poles, setting up tension so the chromatids will be pulled apart in the next stage (anaphase II). This arrangement is distinct from other stages: homologous pairs separate in anaphase I, the nucleus dissolves during prophase/prometaphase, and sister chromatids do align at the plate and then separate rather than remaining attached.

In metaphase II, duplicated chromosomes line up individually along the metaphase plate, with each chromosome consisting of two sister chromatids held together at the centromere. Spindle fibers attach to kinetochores from opposite poles, setting up tension so the chromatids will be pulled apart in the next stage (anaphase II). This arrangement is distinct from other stages: homologous pairs separate in anaphase I, the nucleus dissolves during prophase/prometaphase, and sister chromatids do align at the plate and then separate rather than remaining attached.