Meiosis involves two cell divisions that result in four haploid cells from one original diploid cell. During the first meiotic division, homologous chromosomes pair up and may exchange genetic material through crossing over. The second meiotic division separates the chromatids so that each of the four resulting haploid cells receives one chromosome from each homologous pair. Gene linkage occurs when genes located near each other on the same chromosome tend to be inherited together.
8. Meiosis I: Anaphase The fibers pull the homologous chromosomes toward opposite ends of the cell
9. Meiosis I: Telophase and Cytokinesis Nuclear membranes form. The cell separates into two cells These two cells enter Meiosis II
10. Meiosis II: Prophase Unlike the first division, neither cell goes through a round of chromosome replication before entering meiosis II Each of the cell’s chromosomes has 2 chromatids
12. Meiosis II: Anaphase The paired chromatids separate and move toward opposite ends of the cell
13. Meiosis II: Telophase and Cytokinesis Each cell separates into two cells - meaning four haploid cells all together
14.
15. Gamete Formation In male animals, meiosis produces four haploid sperm cells However, the cell divisions at the end of meiosis are uneven in females, so that only a single cell receives most of the cytoplasm