Meiosis II is similar to mitosis in that a. sister chromatids separate during anaphase. b. DNA replicates before the division. c. the daughter cells are diploid. d. homologous chromosomes synapse.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key events in Meiosis II and Mitosis: Both processes involve the separation of sister chromatids during anaphase.
2. Recall that DNA replication occurs before Meiosis I and Mitosis, but not before Meiosis II.
3. Recognize the outcome of the cell divisions: Meiosis II results in haploid cells, whereas Mitosis results in diploid cells.
4. Identify that synapsis of homologous chromosomes occurs during Meiosis I, not in Meiosis II or Mitosis.
5. Choose the correct answer based on the information: a. sister chromatids separate during anaphase.

Key Concepts

Meiosis II

Meiosis II is the second division in the meiosis process, which follows Meiosis I. It resembles mitosis in that it separates sister chromatids, resulting in four haploid daughter cells from one diploid parent cell. Unlike mitosis, which produces two diploid cells, Meiosis II is crucial for sexual reproduction, ensuring genetic diversity.

Sister Chromatids

Sister chromatids are identical copies of a single chromosome, connected at a region called the centromere. During anaphase of both meiosis II and mitosis, these chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell. This separation is essential for ensuring that each daughter cell receives an equal and complete set of chromosomes.

Diploid vs. Haploid

Diploid cells contain two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, while haploid cells have only one set. In the context of meiosis, the initial cell is diploid, but after Meiosis I, the resulting cells are haploid. Meiosis II further divides these haploid cells, maintaining the haploid state, which is critical for sexual reproduction.