Final answer:
Meiosis consists of two consecutive cell divisions, meiosis I and meiosis II, each with four stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. These stages lead to the production of four genetically distinct haploid cells from the original single diploid cell, unlike mitosis which produces identical cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stages of Meiosis I and Meiosis II
During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are separated into two daughter cells. This stage involves several phases:
- Prophase I: Chromosomes condense, and the homologous chromosomes pair up in a process called synapsis.
- Metaphase I: Homologous chromosomes line up at the cell's equator.
- Anaphase I: Homologous chromosomes are pulled to opposite poles of the cell.
- Telophase I: The cell divides into two new cells.
Meiosis II follows without additional DNA replication and also includes four phases:
- Prophase II: New spindles form in the daughter cells.
- Metaphase II: Chromosomes line up at the equator, but unlike meiosis I, no pairing occurs.
- Anaphase II: Sister chromatids are separated and pulled to opposite poles.
- Telophase II: Cell division completes to produce four haploid cells.
These stages ensure the reduction of chromosome number by half and the production of four genetically distinct haploid cells, compared to mitosis, which yields genetically identical daughter cells.