**Synapsis**- each replicated chromosome pairs with its corresponding homologous chromosome to form a tetrad containing 4 chromatids.
When the chromatids pair they can (but not always) **cross over**- bits and pieces of the homologous chromosomes are exchanged to __produce new combinations of alleles on each chromosome__. **Chiasmata** is the location where it occurs. This creates __genetic variation__.
At the end, a spindle will attach to each tetrad.