The Phases of Meiosis

Meiosis is a special type of cell division where a single diploid (2n) cell divides twice, resulting in 4 genetically distinct haploid (n) cells. This animation provides an overview of the different phases of meiosis using an example animal germ cell. For a quick summary of meiosis, visit the Meiosis: An Overview infographic. To learn even more about meiosis, visit the Meiosis in Animal Cells scrollable interactive.

Topics

  • 2n
  • anaphase I
  • anaphase II
  • animal cell
  • cell
  • cell growth
  • centrosome
  • chromosome
  • crossing over
  • cytokinesis
  • cytoplasmic division
  • diploid
  • division of the cytoplasm
  • DNA
  • DNA replication
  • genetically distinct
  • genetic variation
  • germ cell
  • haploid
  • homologous chromosomes
  • homologs
  • independent assortment
  • interphase
  • prophase I
  • prophase II
  • kinetochore
  • meiosis
  • meiosis I
  • meiosis II
  • meiotic spindle
  • metaphase I
  • metaphase II
  • metaphase plate
  • microtubule
  • n
  • non-sister chromatids
  • nuclear division
  • nuclear envelope
  • nucleus
  • organelle duplication
  • replicated chromosome
  • sister chromatids
  • spindle pole
  • synapsis
  • synapsed homologs
  • telophase I
  • telophase II
  • unreplicated chromosome