At what stage of meiosis do sister chromatids separate?

SouravNovember 9, 2024

Answer

Sister chromatids separate during Anaphase II of meiosis. This stage follows the first meiotic division (meiosis I), which separates homologous chromosomes, and occurs after a brief interphase known as interkinesis, where no DNA replication takes place.

Key Points about Anaphase II:

• Separation Mechanism: In Anaphase II, the cohesin proteins that hold sister chromatids together at the centromere are cleaved, allowing the spindle fibers to pull the sister chromatids apart toward opposite poles of the cell. This process is similar to what occurs during mitosis.
• Outcome: The separation of sister chromatids results in four haploid daughter cells, each containing one copy of each chromosome. This is essential for producing gametes (sperm and eggs) that have half the genetic material of the original diploid cell.