Meiosis

Interphase

Interphase: The stage the cell spends most of it’s time in. No chromosomes have formed and the nucleus is still whole.

 

Prophase I

Prophase I: Homologous chromosomes pair up, and non-sister chromatids exchange genetic material. This is called crossing over.

 

Metaphase I

Metaphase I: Homologous chromosomes pair up at the equator.

 

Anaphase I

Anaphase I: Homologous chromosomes separate and are pulled to opposite poles by the spindle fibres.

 

Telophase I

Telophase I: One chromosome from each homologous pair is at each pole of the cell.

 

Prophase II

Prophase II: There is one chromosome of the homologous pair in each cell.

 

Metaphase II

Metaphase II: The x-shaped chromosomes form a single line across the middle of the cell.

 

Anaphase II

Anaphase II: Sister chromatids move to opposite poles of the cell. Once they separate, each sister chromatid is considered to be a chromosome.

 

Telophase II

Telophase II: Spindle fibres begin to disappear, and a nuclear membrane forms around each set of chromosomes.

 

Cytokinesis

Cytokinesis: In cytokinesis, the two daughter cells are separated.