INTERPHASE (PRIOR TO MEIOSIS)

As with mitosis, interphase occurs prior to meiosis. DNA replication occurs once only prior
to the two divisions in meiosis, hence, four haploid daughter cells will be created.

PROPHASE I
Nucleus disappears, chromosomes shorten and thicken and become visible. Homologous
chromosomes pair (synapsis) and spindle fibres form. Chromosomes attach to spindle
fibres. Crossing over (see page 32), which is a very important source of genetic
variation in the gametes, can take place at this time.

METAPHASE I
Spindle fibre formation complete, homologous chromosomes line up in pairs along equator
of cell.
Independent Assortment of Chromosomes (see page 34): Maternal and paternal
chromosomes of each homologous pair line up independently of all other homologous
pairs. This is a very important source of genetic variation within the species!!
Note: You will never observe this situation during metaphase of mitosis.
2

ANAPHASE I
Each homologous pair separates (performs disjunction) as double-stranded chromosomes
move to opposite poles. Spindle fibres begin to disappear.

TELOPHASE I AND CYTOKINESIS

Spindle breaks down, nucleus reforms, cell pinches into two daughter cells each containing
half the original number of chromosomes (however, each chromosome still consists of two
chromatids).
A resting phase for both cells occurs in many species. No duplication of chromosomes takes
place before the second division.
The second division of meiosis can now proceed. Meoisis II is very similar in process to
mitosis.

PROPHASE II
In both cells the nuclear membrane breaks down, spindle fibres form and chromosomes
become distinct.

METAPHASE II
In both cells chromosomes move to the centre of the cell (notice that the chromosomes are
not aligned in pairs). Centromeres start to divide.

ANAPHASE II
As centromeres divide, chromatids separate to form daughter chromosomes. In both cells
the daughter chromosomes move to their respective poles (again performing disjunction);
spindle fibres disappear.

TELOPHASE II AND CYTOKINESIS

Both cells divide in two resulting in the production of four haploid daughter cells. Nucleus
reforms and each cell pinches in half (cell plates appear in plant cells).