Cell Division - Meiosis

Meiosis is a type of cell division that creates four daughter sex cells that contain half the usual number of chromosomes. These cells will all contain a random mix of maternal and paternal chromosomes.

During prophase 1 chromosomes are copied and match up in homologous pairs. The pairs then trade genes in a process called 'crossing over' to make new hybrid chromosomes. During metaphase 1, maternal and paternal chromosomes are placed randomly on each side of the cell equator. During anaphase 1 and telophase 1, spindles pull the homologues apart and the cell divides (each new cell contains a random mix of maternal and paternal chromosomes).

During PMAT 2 the cells divide again to create haploid cells with 23 single sets of chromosomes (not pairs) that can become sperm or egg cells.