Question

Determine the nature of chromosomes that align themselves on the metaphase plate in metaphase 1.

Answer 1

Homologous chromosomes have to attach together to the same spindle fiber during prophase 1. Then, some of them may go through crossing over, which switches fragments of them. Then, each pair of homologous will migrate to equatorial plane during metaphase 1. So, in the metaphase plate you will have pairs of homologous, both of them duplicated, but the 4 chromatides may be different due to crossing over (it depends on where the enzymes have cut and pasted in that process).