Meiosis II is similar to mitosis in that it involves which process?

• A. Homologous chromosomes separate.
• B. DNA replication occurs.
• C. Sister chromatids separate.
• D. The cell becomes diploid again.

Answer: (C)

Meiosis II mirrors mitosis in how the genetic material is distributed: the sister chromatids are separated. After meiosis I, each chromosome still consists of two identical chromatids held at the centromere. During the division in meiosis II, the centromeres split and the chromatids are pulled to opposite poles by spindle fibers attached to kinetochores, just like in mitotic anaphase. This division yields daughter cells that each receive one copy of every chromosome.

The other steps differ in meiosis: homologous chromosomes separate in meiosis I, not in meiosis II; there is no DNA replication between the divisions; and the final products are haploid, not diploid.