LAQ : What are the features of meiosis-II? What is sister chromatid?

Meiosis II is the second phase of meiosis, following meiosis I, and is characterized by distinct features:

1. Separation of Sister Chromatids: In meiosis II, the sister chromatids, formed during meiosis I, separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. This ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes.
2. Haploid Daughter Cells: The resulting daughter cells from meiosis II are haploid, meaning they contain half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This reduction in chromosome number is crucial for the formation of gametes.
3. No DNA Replication: Unlike meiosis I, there is no DNA replication before meiosis II. The chromosomes that enter meiosis II have already undergone replication during the earlier stages.

Sister chromatids are identical copies of a single chromosome, connected by a centromere. They are produced during the S phase of the cell cycle when DNA is replicated. In meiosis II, the separation of sister chromatids ensures that each daughter cell receives a unique combination of genetic material, contributing to genetic diversity in sexual reproduction.