Cell divisions - meiosis

meiosis:: form of cell division that results in four genetically different daughter cells (gametes, haploids), includes two divisions
Mitosis and reproduction:: produces haploid gametes so organisms have a full number of chromosomes after fertilisation. Also creates genetic variation
Meiosis I :: first stage of meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair, crossing over occurs at chiasmata, cell divides into two, independent segregation of homologous chromosomes
Homologous chromosomes:: pair of chromosomes with genes at same locus, some alleles may be the same while others are different
Crossing over:: occurs at chiasmata, homologous chromosomes cross over and alleles are exchanged at equivalent portions of chromatids to create genetic variation
Independent segregation:: random separation of homologous chromosomes to produce genetic diversity
Meiosis II :: second stage of meiosis, independent separation of sister chromatids, each cell divides again to produce four haploid cells
How does meiosis produce genetic variation? :: crossing over and independent segregation