Homologous pairs of chromosomes separate during meiosis.
Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces gametes, such as sperm and eggs. During meiosis, a cell undergoes two rounds of division to produce four haploid daughter cells. This process involves the separation of homologous pairs of chromosomes, which are pairs of chromosomes that carry the same genes in the same order but may have different versions of those genes (alleles).
In meiosis, homologous pairs of chromosomes first come together and form a structure called a tetrad. During the first division of meiosis, the homologous pairs separate, with one chromosome from each pair going to each daughter cell. This is known as reduction division because the resulting daughter cells have half the number of chromosomes as the original cell.
The separation of homologous pairs of chromosomes during meiosis is essential for producing genetically diverse gametes. This is because the shuffling of genetic material that occurs during meiosis, including the separation of homologous pairs, creates new combinations of alleles in the daughter cells. This contributes to genetic variation in populations, which is important for evolution and adaptation.
Therefore, homologous pairs of chromosomes separate during meiosis, a type of cell division that produces genetically diverse gametes by shuffling and separating chromosomes.