meiosis stages

• Interphase:

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  The cell grows and replicates its DNA, ensuring each chromosome has two identical sister chromatids. 

• Prophase I:

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  Chromosomes condense, homologous chromosomes pair up (synapsis), and crossing over (exchange of genetic material) occurs. 

• Metaphase I:

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  Paired homologous chromosomes (tetrads) line up at the cell's equator. 

• Anaphase I:

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  Homologous chromosomes separate, and each chromosome is pulled to opposite poles of the cell. 

• Telophase I:

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  Nuclear envelopes reform around the separated chromosomes, and the cell divides into two daughter cells (cytokinesis), each with half the number of chromosomes (haploid). 

Meiosis II:

• Prophase II:

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  Chromosomes condense again if they decondensed after Telophase I. 

• Metaphase II:

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  Sister chromatids of each chromosome line up at the equator of each of the two cells. 

• Anaphase II:

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  Sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles in each of the two cells. 

• Telophase II:

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  Nuclear envelopes reform around the separated sister chromatids (now called chromosomes), and the cells divide into four haploid daughter cells (cytokinesis). 

Key Differences between Meiosis I and Meiosis II:

• Meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes, while Meiosis II separates sister chromatids. 

• Meiosis I involves crossing over, while Meiosis II does not. 

• Meiosis I results in two haploid cells, while Meiosis II results in four haploid cells.