Question

what phase does meisis occur

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Answered by GPT-4o mini
Meiosis occurs in two main phases: Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Each of these phases consists of several stages.

1. **Meiosis I**: This is the reductional division where homologous chromosomes are separated. It includes the following stages:
- **Prophase I**: Chromosomes condense, and homologous chromosomes pair up (synapsis). Crossing over occurs, where genetic material is exchanged between chromatids.
- **Metaphase I**: Paired homologous chromosomes align at the metaphase plate.
- **Anaphase I**: Homologous chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.
- **Telophase I**: The cell may elongate and division occurs, resulting in two haploid cells, each containing one chromosome from each homologous pair.

2. **Meiosis II**: This is the equational division where sister chromatids are separated. It resembles a mitotic division and includes:
- **Prophase II**: Chromosomes condense again, and a new spindle apparatus forms.
- **Metaphase II**: Chromosomes line up along the metaphase plate.
- **Anaphase II**: Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell.
- **Telophase II**: Nuclear membranes begin to reform around each set of chromosomes, followed by cytokinesis, resulting in four genetically unique haploid cells.

Overall, meiosis is crucial for sexual reproduction, as it reduces the chromosome number by half and contributes to genetic diversity through recombination and independent assortment.

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