Centromere Splitting in Anaphase II — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2023Which of the following stages of meiosis involves division of centromere?
Which of the following stages of meiosis involves division of centromere?
Which of the following stages of meiosis involves division of centromere?
Answer & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: B — Anaphase II
Centromere division occurs during anaphase II of meiosis II. During this phase, the centromeres holding sister chromatids together finally divide, allowing individual chromatids to move to opposite poles. In contrast, anaphase I involves separation of whole homologous chromosomes without centromere division. This centromere division is crucial for proper gamete formation.
Read more NCERT concept on the PYQ
Anaphase II: It begins with the simultaneous splitting of the centromere of each chromosome (which was holding the sister chromatids together), allowing them to move toward opposite poles of the cell by shortening of microtubules attached to kinetochores.
In Anaphase II, the centromere of each chromosome splits, allowing sister chromatids to separate and move toward opposite poles. NTA tests this because it's a critical distinction from Anaphase I (where homologous chromosomes separate, not sister chromatids). Students often confuse which structures separate in which anaphase—a common trap. Remember: Anaphase I = homologous chromosomes separate; Anaphase II = sister chromatids separate after centromere splits. This concept appears frequently because understanding the difference between meiosis I and II divisions is fundamental to NEET questions on cell division and genetic variation.
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