Stages of Meiosis

Interphase 1: Prior to meiosis. Cell grows, DNA replicates, centromere doubles.

Prophase 1: DNA coils tightly forming chromosomes. Centrioles move to opposite poles of the cell. Each chromosome pairs w/ its corresponding homologous chromosome, forming a tetrad (4 chromosomes). Exchange portions of chromatids by crossing over.

Metaphase 1: Nuclear membrane vanishes. Spindle fibers form and attach to the centromere, then each pair of homologues lines up on the cell equator.

Anaphase 1: Spindle fibers pull the homologous chromosomes to opposite poles of the cell. Each pole ends up with a haploid set of chromosomes consisting of 1 member of the homologous pair.

Telophase 1 (Cytokinesis): Nuclear membrane reforms. Now, the 2 nucleus, contains 2 sister chromatids for each chromosome.

Prophase 2: Nuclear envelope breaks down and new spindles form.

Metaphase 2: Chromosomes line up on cell equator, spindles attach to both sides of centromeres.

Anaphase 2: Sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles of cell.

Telophase 2 (Cytokinesis): Nuclear envelope reforms around sets of daughter chromosomes. Results in 4 haploid daughter cells.