In: Biology
Describe each of the phases of meiosis and the important events taking place in each. Be sure to include when chromatin/chromosome number increases/decreases.
There are following phases of meiosis:
1. Prophase I
2. Metaphase I
3. Anaphase I
4. Telophase I
Prophase I: It is the first step in meiosis I. In this phase chromosomes condense and move towards the middle of the cell. The nuclear envelope disappears and it allows the microtubules originating from the centrioles on either side of the cell to attach to the kinetochores in the centromeres of each chromosome. This step does not take place in mitosis.
Metaphase I: In this phase homologous chromosomes that contain the two different alleles for each gene, are lined up to be separated. Segregation of chromosomes takes place in this phase. In this phase the sister chromatids are present. In this phase crossing over and law of independent assortment and crossing over takes place.
Anaphase I: In this phase chromosomes are pulled towards the centrioles at each side of the cell. Only homologous chromosomes are separated and not sister chromatids.
Telophase I: In this phase chromosomes are pulled completely apart and new nuclear envelopes form. With the help of cytokinesis plasm membrane is separated and two new cells formed.