Which phase involves the pulling apart of homologous pairs to opposite poles of the cell?

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The phase that involves the pulling apart of homologous pairs to opposite poles of the cell is Anaphase I. During this stage of meiosis, the paired homologous chromosomes, which have been aligned at the metaphase plate during Metaphase I, are separated and pulled toward opposite ends of the cell. This separation occurs when the spindle fibers shorten, effectively segregating the homologous chromosomes into two distinct groups. This is a critical step in ensuring that each daughter cell receives one chromosome from each homologous pair, ultimately contributing to genetic diversity in the resulting gametes.

In contrast, the other phases mentioned have different functions. Telophase II occurs after the separation of sister chromatids and involves the reformation of the nuclear envelope around each set of chromosomes, but it does not involve pulling homologous pairs apart. Prophase II is the stage where the chromosomes condense again and the spindle apparatus forms without separating any chromosomes. Metaphase I is when homologous chromosomes line up at the metaphase plate but have not yet been aligned for separation. This differentiation in roles among the phases of meiosis clarifies why Anaphase I is the correct answer for this question.

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