Which phase of meiosis is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids?

The phase of meiosis characterized by the separation of sister chromatids is Anaphase II. During this stage, the sister chromatids, which were previously paired during the earlier phase of meiosis, are pulled apart toward opposite poles of the cell. This separation is crucial to ensure that each resulting gamete receives the correct number of chromosomes.

Anaphase II follows Metaphase II, during which the sister chromatids align at the cell's equatorial plate. In Prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair and undergo crossing over, but sister chromatids remain attached. Telophase II is the final stage of meiosis where the separated chromatids, now individual chromosomes, are enclosed in new nuclear membranes, but the actual separation happens in Anaphase II. Understanding these phases is essential in grasping how genetic variation and chromosome number is maintained in sexually reproducing organisms.