Meiosis

Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid cells, each genetically distinct from the parent cell. This process is essential for sexual reproduction and occurs in two main stages: Meiosis I and Meiosis II.

Meiosis I

1. Prophase I: Chromosomes condense, and homologous chromosomes pair up, forming tetrads. Crossing over occurs, exchanging genetic material between homologous chromosomes.
2. Metaphase I: Tetrads align at the cell's equator.
3. Anaphase I: Homologous chromosomes are pulled to opposite poles of the cell.
4. Telophase I: The cell divides into two haploid cells, each with half the number of chromosomes.

Meiosis II

1. Prophase II: Chromosomes condense again in the two haploid cells.
2. Metaphase II: Chromosomes align at the equator of each cell.
3. Anaphase II: Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles.
4. Telophase II: Each cell divides again, resulting in four haploid cells.

These haploid cells can develop into gametes (sperm and eggs in animals), which are crucial for genetic diversity in offspring