In which stage of meiosis, the structure, number and  shape of chromosomes can be observed? 

Metaphase I

The correct answer is Option (2) –Metaphase I

The production of offspring by sexual reproduction includes the fusion of two gametes, each with a complete haploid set of chromosomes. Gametes are formed from specialised diploid cells. This specialised kind of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half results in the production of haploid daughter cells. This kind of division is called meiosis. Meiosis ensures the production of haploid phase in the life cycle of sexually reproducing organisms whereas fertilisation restores the diploid phase. We come across meiosis during gametogenesis in plants and animals. This leads to the formation of haploid gametes. The key features of meiosis are as follows:

 Meiosis involves two sequential cycles of nuclear and cell division called meiosis I and meiosis II but only a single cycle of DNA replication.

Meiosis I is initiated after the parental chromosomes have replicated to produce identical sister chromatids at the S phase.

Meiosis involves pairing of homologous chromosomes and recombination between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes. 

Four haploid cells are formed at the end of meiosis II.

Prophase I: Prophase of the first meiotic division is typically longer and more complex when compared to prophase of mitosis. It has been further subdivided into the following five phases based on chromosomal behaviour, i.e., Leptotene, Zygotene, Pachytene, Diplotene and Diakinesis.

Metaphase I: The bivalent chromosomes align on the equatorial plate . The structure, number and  shape of chromosomes can be observed .The microtubules from the opposite poles of the spindle attach to the kinetochore of homologous chromosomes.

Anaphase I: The homologous chromosomes separate, while sister chromatids remain associated at their centromeres .

Telophase I: The nuclear membrane and nucleolus reappear, cytokinesis follows and this is called as dyad of cells .