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Homologous pairs of chromosomes are lined up independently of other such pairs during metaphase 1.
Explanation:
Metaphase I is the second stage of meiosis, which is a type of cell division that occurs during sexual reproduction in eukaryotic organisms.
During metaphase I, homologous pairs of chromosomes align themselves along the equator, or metaphase plate, of the cell.
This alignment occurs as a result of the attachment of spindle fibers to the centromeres of the chromosomes. The spindle fibers, which are protein structures that help to move chromosomes during cell division, extend from opposite poles of the cell and attach to each homologous chromosome pair.
Once all of the homologous chromosome pairs are properly aligned at the metaphase plate, the spindle fibers begin to pull each pair of chromosomes apart, with one member of each pair moving towards one pole of the cell and the other towards the opposite pole. This process is called “segregation” and it ensures that each resulting daughter cell receives a complete and genetically diverse set of chromosomes.
Overall, metaphase I is a critical stage of meiosis, as it is responsible for ensuring that the homologous chromosomes are properly paired and ready to be separated during the subsequent stages of the cell division process.