Max Animations

Premeiotic cells have two copies of each chromosome (2n), one derived from the paternal parent and one from the maternal parent. For simplicity, the paternal and maternal homologs of only one chromosome arediagrammed.

All chromosomes are replicated during the S phase before the first meiotic division, giving a 4n chromosomal complement. Cohesin complexes (not shown) link the sister chromatids composing each replicated chromosome along their full lengths.

As chromosomes condense during the first meiotic prophase, replicated homologs become paired as the result of at least one crossover event between a paternal and a maternal chromatid. This pairing of replicated homologous chromosomes is called synapsis. At metaphase, shown here, both chromatids of one chromosome associate with microtubules emanating from one spindle pole, but each member of a homologous chromosome pair associates with microtubules emanating from opposite poles.

During anaphase of meiosis I, the homologous chromosomes, each consisting of two chromatids, are pulled to opposite spindle poles.

Cytokinesis yields the two daughter cells (now 2n), which enter meiosis II without undergoing DNA replication. At metaphase of meiosis II, shown here, the chromatids composing each replicated chromosome associate with spindle microtubules from opposite spindle poles, as they do in mitosis.

Segregation of chromatids to opposite spindle poles during the second meiotic anaphase followed by cytokinesis generates haploid germ cells (1n) containing one copy of each chromosome (referred to as chromatids earlier).