Process Of Meiosis Essay, Research Paper

Meiosis is the reproduction of sex or germ cells in which there are two divisions required to complete the process. They are called meiosis I and meiosis II. In meiosis I, members of homologous pairs of chromosomes divide into two complete sets. There are four stages: prophase I, metaphase I, anaphase I, and telophase I.. -Prophase I is the first phase in meiosis I. At this point, the cell prepares itself for division. -In metaphase I, the centromere of each chromosome attaches to the spindle. -In anaphase I, the chromosome number is reduced by half. -Telophase I consists of changes that return the cell to an interphase-like condition.

Meiosis II is a continuance of meiosis I, necessary for division to occur. This process includes: prophase II, metaphase II, anaphase II, and telophase II. -During prophase II the cells are haploid. -In metaphase II the chromosomes attach by their centromeres to the spindle at the equatorial plane of the cell. -In anaphase II the centromere of each chromosome divides and chromatids (now daughter chromosomes) move to the poles. -In telophase II the cell returns to a non-dividing condition. The nuclear membrane forms. Cells mature into gametes and the process is completed.