Question

How are alleles on homologous chromosomes distributed during meiosis? I understand the # of chromosomes is 2n at the end of meiosis 1 and n after meiosis 2, but I'm having a hard time visualizing how specific alleles go where during the different stages.

The specific question is: "An organism has alleles R1 and R2 on one pair of homologous chromosomes and T1/T2 on another pair. Diagram these homologs at the end of metaphase I, at the end of telophase I, and at the end of telophase II, and show how meiosis in this organism produces gametes expected in Mendelian crosses. Assume no crossover." This is from a textbook and the solution provided is here but I wasn't sure if it was correct or not due to the 2 thumbs down (it also didn't address the second part of the question regarding Mendelian crosses):

Answer 1

During meiosis, the homologous chromosomes separate and become sorted into different daughter cells. At the end of metaphase I, the homologous chromosomes are lined up in the center of the cell, attached at the centromere, and pulled towards opposite poles by the spindle fibers. During telophase I, the chromosomes reach opposite poles and the cell begins to divide. In telophase II, a second cell division occurs, resulting in the formation of four genetically diverse daughter cells, each with half the original number of chromosomes. In the case of the organism with alleles R1 and R2 on one pair of homologous chromosomes and T1/T2 on another pair, the distribution of alleles is random during meiosis. At the end of telophase II, the four daughter cells will have a mix of R1, R2, T1, and T2 alleles, making them genetically diverse from one another and from the parent cell. These diverse gametes can produce a variety of offspring when involved in Mendelian crosses.