(c) In the period between cell divisions, the DNA replicates. This is the stage where the cell prepares for division by doubling its genetic material.
(g) The DNA becomes visible as separate chromosomes, each of which is comprised of two chromatids. This marks the start of meiosis where the chromosomes condense and become visible.
(a) The nuclear membrane breaks down and pairs of replicated chromosomes line up on the equator of the cell with spindle fibres attached. This is known as metaphase where chromosomes align at the cell's equator.
(f) The spindle fibres contract, drawing one chromosome from each pair to opposite poles of the cell. At this stage, each chromosome is still two chromatids. This phase, anaphase, involves chromosome separation.
(e) At the end of the first part of the division, nuclear membranes at each pole enclose into new nuclei. This is telophase I where two daughter cells are formed.
(h) After the first part of the division, a new spindle forms at right angles to the first. The new spindle fibres attach to the chromosomes and line them up on the equator of the cell. This is metaphase II, similar to metaphase I but in a second division process.
(d) The spindle fibres contract, pulling the chromatids apart towards the poles of the cells. Known as anaphase II, chromatids separate and move to opposite cell poles.
(b) The nuclear membrane forms and the cytoplasm divides to produce four new cells. Each cell now contains the haploid number of chromosomes. These cells are the gametes. This is the final stage, telophase II, where four haploid cells are produced.