After what point in cell division two Mendelian alternative alleles (A and a) are separated? (The First Law of Mendel, "rule of segregation")

Question

metaphase of mitosis

metaphase of meiosis I

metaphase of meiosis II

prophase of meiosis II

fertilization

Answer 1

The question isn’t quite clear on this, but because it asks that two alleles are separated, you can narrow it down to metaphase 1 in meiosis one and metaphase 2 in meiosis 2. In regards to the First law, this means something is separating. The second law or the Law of Independent assortment refers metaphase and how Homologous pairs (or in this case alleles) meet together at metaphase 1 of meiosis 1, thus, the pairs will align randomly. These pairs will then separate/segregate during anaphase 1 and form diploids (2n) aka the law of segregation (1st Mendel law). On the other hand it is chromatids and not homologous pairs that meet during metaphase 2. Then during the next phase (anaphase 2) the chromatids will separate and form haploids (n). The first law of segregation is often referred to occurring during anaphase 1 and 2. In conclusion, of the answers given, choice 3 (metaphase of meiosis 1) would be the answer. Hope this helps!