What is the result of Anaphase II?

During Anaphase II of meiosis, the defining and critical event is the separation of sister chromatids. This occurs after the chromosomes have aligned at the metaphase plate during metaphase II. Once the anaphase stage begins, the protein connections holding the sister chromatids together are cleaved, allowing each chromatid to become an independent chromosome. These newly formed individual chromosomes are then pulled toward opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibers attached to their kinetochores.

This separation is essential for ensuring that each daughter cell receives an appropriate number of chromosomes, ultimately leading to the formation of gametes with half the original chromosome number, which is vital for sexual reproduction. The understanding of this key process is fundamental in genetics as it ensures genetic diversity and the maintenance of chromosome number across generations.