During what phase of meiosis are homologous chromosomes separated from one another and pulled toward opposite poles of the cell by spindle fibers?

Anaphase I

Explanation:

Meiosis is a kind of cell division that results in daughter cells with each having a reduced number of chromosomes (by half). Meiosis is employed by sexually-reproducing organisms to produce gametes and hence the chromosome number must be reduced. Since there is a reduction in the chromosome number, meiosis occurs in a two-step division process viz: meiosis I and II.

Both Meiosis I and II consists of the following stages; Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase. The actual separation of nuclear material (CHROMOSOME) occurs in the Anaphase stage of both meiosis I and II. However, the difference between the two divisions is that, in Anaphase of meiosis I, homologous chromosomes (similar but non-identical chromosomes received from each parent) are separate into opposite poles by the spindle microtubules. This is where the reduction in chromosomal number takes place i.e. from diploid (2n) to haploid (n).

In meiosis II, specifically Anaphase II, sister chromatids (replicated chromosomes) separate into opposite poles.

Hence, homologous chromosomes separates from one another and are pulled toward opposite poles of the cell by spindle fibers in the ANAPHASE I of MEIOSIS I.

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