The correct answer is A) Homologous chromosomes pair and line up at the cell's equator.
During metaphase I of meiosis, homologous chromosome pairs (each consisting of two sister chromatids) align at the cell's equatorial plane. This is a crucial step in ensuring that each daughter cell receives one chromosome from each homologous pair during the subsequent separation process in anaphase I.
Options B, C, and D occur in different stages of the cell cycle:
- B) Sister chromatids are pulled apart during anaphase II, not during metaphase I.
- C) The nuclear envelope re-forms during telophase, not during metaphase I.
- D) DNA replication occurs during the S phase of interphase, prior to meiosis, not during metaphase I.