In meiosis II, chromosomes align at the cell center during which phase?

• A. Metaphase II
• B. Prophase II
• C. Anaphase II
• D. Telophase II

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is when chromosomes line up for separation. In meiosis II, the chromosomes align at the center of the cell during metaphase II. After the first division, each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids held together at the centromere. In metaphase II, these duplicated chromosomes arrange along the metaphase plate, with spindle fibers attaching to kinetochores from opposite poles. This setup ensures that, in the next step, the sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles during anaphase II, leading to four haploid cells after telophase II and cytokinesis. Prophase II involves condensation and spindle formation, anaphase II is where separation occurs, and telophase II completes nuclear envelopes around the separated chromatids.