Meiosis Stages and Key Processes: Independent Assortment, Crossing Over, and Cell Division

meiosis l

maternal and paternal copies orient randomly and independently. The result is that maternal and paternal sets are scrambled in the daughter cells. This is an independent assortment.

Prophase I

Homologous chromosomes pair up and undergo crossing over, exchanging genetic material.

Metaphase l

Homologous pairs align at the metaphase plate.

Anaphase I

Homologs separate to opposite poles (centromeres do not divide).

Telophase I

Two diploid cells form, each containing replicated chromosomes.

Meiosis II

produces four haploid daughter nuclei that are genetically distinct.

Prophase II

Chromosomes condense again, and spindles form in each haploid cell.

Metaphase II

Chromosomes align on the metaphase plate.

Anaphase ll

Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles.

Telophase ll

Four haploid daughter cells are formed, each with a unique combination of chromosomes due to crossing over and independent assortment.