Meiosis is a process of cell division through which four haploi cells are produced from a diploid cell. Haploid cells are those that contain a single set of chromosomes. Gametes or sex cells are haploid cells. Thus, the goal of meiosis is to generate sex cells. For this reason, when a sperm and an egg join in fertilization, their two sets of chromosome haploids come together to form a new complete diploid set, that is, a completely new DNA or genome.
Meiosis is a complex process that involves two distinct phases: meiosis 1 and meiosis 2. Each of them is composed of several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase.
Meiosis1: First cell division of the diploid, known as reductive, as it results in cells with half the genetic load.
Prophese1: The first step consists in preparing the DNA to become two different sets, so that the genetic material intersects and a sort of dividing line emerges in the cell.
Metaphase1: The chromosomes are located in the center of the cell and begin to separate. Random genetic distribution has already been carried out.
Anaphase1: Each string of DNA tends to a cell pole, forming two haploid poles.
Telophase1: The plasma membrane separated and gives rise to two haploid cells.
Meiosis2: Known as a duplicate phase, it resembles mitosis: two whole individuals are formed by duplicating the DNA.
Prophase2: Haploid cells created in meiosis1 condense their chromosomes and break the nuclear envelope.
Metaphase2: As before, chromosomes tend toward the middle of the cell, preparing for a new division.
Anaphase2: The genetic material tends to separate and migrate to the poles of the cell, enlisting the new process of cell division.
Telophase2: The cell membranes separate again and result in four haploid cells, each with a different distribution from the complete genetic code of the individual.