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In what phase does meiosis occur

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Meiosis occurs in two main phases: Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Each of these phases consists of several stages.

  1. Meiosis I:

    • Prophase I: Chromosomes condense, homologous chromosomes pair (synapsis), and crossover can occur.
    • Metaphase I: Homologous chromosome pairs align at the cell's equatorial plate.
    • Anaphase I: Homologous chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite poles.
    • Telophase I: Chromosomes may decondense, and the cell divides through cytokinesis, resulting in two haploid cells.

  2. Meiosis II: This phase is similar to mitosis and involves the separation of sister chromatids.

    • Prophase II: Chromosomes condense again if they decondensed during Telophase I.
    • Metaphase II: Chromosomes align at the equatorial plate.
    • Anaphase II: Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles.
    • Telophase II: Chromosomes decondense, nuclear envelopes reform, and the cells divide through cytokinesis, resulting in a total of four haploid cells.

Overall, meiosis is important for sexual reproduction and generates genetic diversity through processes such as crossing over and independent assortment.