When are the two chromatids of each chromosome separated during meiosis?

The two chromatids of each chromosome are separated during Anaphase II of meiosis. During this phase, the sister chromatids, which were previously joined at the centromere, are pulled apart as the spindle fibers shorten. This separation results in the individual chromatids being moved toward opposite poles of the cell. As a result, each resultant daughter cell will receive an equal and complete set of chromosomes in the next stages of meiosis.

In contrast, Anaphase I involves the separation of homologous chromosome pairs rather than individual chromatids, which is a crucial distinction in understanding the different stages of meiosis. Telophase I and Telophase II involve the reformation of the nuclear envelope and the finalization of the cell division process, but the actual separation of sister chromatids does not occur until Anaphase II. This highlights the importance of Anaphase II in achieving the correct distribution of genetic material in gametes.