What happens in each phase of meiosis.
Meiosis is a type of cell division that results in the formation of gametes (sperm and egg cells) in sexually reproducing organisms. It consists of two main phases: meiosis I and meiosis II.
Meiosis I:
1. Prophase I - Chromosomes condense and pair up with their homologous chromosome to form a tetrad. Crossing over occurs, where genetic material is exchanged between homologous chromosomes.
2. Metaphase I - Tetrads line up at the metaphase plate.
3. Anaphase I - Homologous chromosomes are pulled apart and move to opposite poles of the cell.
4. Telophase I - Nuclear membrane reforms, and cytokinesis occurs, resulting in two daughter cells.
Meiosis II:
1. Prophase II - Nuclear membrane breaks down, and chromosomes condense.
2. Metaphase II - Chromosomes line up at the metaphase plate.
3. Anaphase II - Sister chromatids are pulled apart and move to opposite poles of the cell.
4. Telophase II - Nuclear membrane reforms, and cytokinesis occurs, resulting in four haploid daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the original cell.