How many chromosomes and DNA molecules are present at Metaphase II of meiosis if the starting cell was diploid with 4 chromosomes?

To evaluate the state of chromosomes and DNA molecules during Metaphase II of meiosis, it is essential to understand the processes that occur throughout meiosis, particularly the changes that happen in chromosome number and DNA content.

Initially, in a diploid organism with 4 chromosomes, during the first meiotic division (meiosis I), homologous chromosomes are separated. This results in two haploid cells, each containing the original 4 chromosomes but with each chromosome consisting of two sister chromatids, making for a total of 8 DNA molecules.

In the second meiotic division (meiosis II), which resembles mitosis, the sister chromatids of each chromosome are separated and distributed into newly formed gametes. By the time Metaphase II is reached, the chromosomes have aligned at the metaphase plate, and each chromosome is still made up of two sister chromatids. Therefore, while there are still 4 chromosomes as they did not reduce further in number after meiosis I, the count of DNA molecules remains 8 (4 chromosomes × 2 chromatids each).

However, upon the completion of meiosis II and during the transition into the next phase (which might be following the alignment state), the final count in a haploid context typically reflects