Chapter 5: Cell Division (Meiosis)

Interphase Cell in normal non-dividing condition has chromosomes which are long and threadlike.
Early prophase I

Chromosomes contract, becoming short and fat and visible. Nucleolus shrinks.
Late prophase I Each chromosome seen to consist of a pair of chromatids. Pairing of homologous chromosomes occurs (synapsis)
Metaphase I
Homologous chromosomes arrange themselves on equator of spindle
Anaphase IHomologous chromosomes separate from each other and migrate to opposite poles of the cell.
Telophase I The chromosomes have reached their destination and the cell constricts across the middle as in mitosis. Nucleolus and nuclear membrane for each group of chromosomes reappears
Prophase II The two daughter cells prepare for the second meiotic division: centrioles have replicated and a new spindle is formed.
Metaphase II Chromosomes arrange themselves at equator of the spindle.
Anaphase II Chromatids separate at the centromere migrate to opposite poles of the cell.
Telophase II Cell constricts across the middle and nuclear membranes and nucleoli reformed as at the end of mitosis. Chromosomes appear as threadlike ion and the cells go into the resting stage (interphase).