Meiosis and mitosis are the processes used by cells to divide and replicate. Although similar in function, division by mitosis is strictly asexual and can occur in any cell in the body. Meiosis reproduction however, occurs exclusively in reproductive cells.
Meiosis has two major stages in which cell division will occur: meiosis 1 and meiosis 2. Both meiosis 1 and 2 have four progressive stages: prophase 1 and 2, metaphase 1 and 2, anaphase 1 and 2, and telophase 1 and 2. During prophase 1 homologous chromosomes pair up tightly with one another, the exchange or “crossing” over of genetic information will occur at this stage. Metaphase 1 involves the spindle fibers attaching to the chromosomes and lining them up down the center of the cell.
Meiosis has two major stages in which cell division will occur: meiosis 1 and meiosis 2. Both meiosis 1 and 2 have four progressive stages: prophase 1 and 2, metaphase 1 and 2, anaphase 1 and 2, and telophase 1 and 2. During prophase 1 homologous chromosomes pair up tightly with one another, the exchange or “crossing” over of genetic information will occur at this stage. Metaphase 1 involves the spindle fibers attaching to the chromosomes and lining them up down the center of the cell.