Answer:
1. homologous pair
2. Interphase
3. Meiosis
4. Metaphase I
5. Metaphase II
Explanation:
1. Homologous chromosomes are similar but non-identical chromosomes received from each parent. The pair of chromosomes are similar in the sense that they contain the same genes but non-identical because they may contain different alleles. Each pair is contributed by each parent.
2. Interphase is regarded as the resting stage of the cell cycle. It is the stage where the cell is not dividing but rather preparing for the next round of division, hence, it is the between stage of two successive divisions. It consists of three stages G1, S and G2 stages. These three stage generally involves cell enlargement, DNA replication, and organnelles replication etc.
3. Meiosis is a kind of division that results in four daughter cells with each having a reduced number of chromosomes (by half) as the parent cell. Meiosis is the cell division employed by sexually-reproducing organisms to produce gametes (sperm and egg). Meiosis also increases the chance of genetic diversity due to the crossing-over or recombination that occurs in its prophase stage.
4. Since meiosis reduces the chromosomal number, it occurs in a two-step division process viz: Meiosis I and II. In the prophase stage of meiosis I, homologous chromosomes from each parent lies side by side to form a TETRAD or BIVALENT structure. These TETRAD structure is later aligned at the equator of the cell by the spindle microtubules. Note that, homologous chromosomes separate during meiosis I.
5. In meiosis II, sister chromatids, which are replicated chromosomes align at the equator of the cell during the Metaphase stage. This makes meiosis II similar to mitosis because sister chromatids are involved. Note that, sister chromatids separate during meiosis II.
