Figure 1. Meiosis is a form a cell division that produces four genetically unique haploid daughter cells.

Meiosis starts of with DNA replication when (A) the chromosomes are relatively diffuse; two homologue pairs are shown in pink and blue (for different parental origin) in a background of other chromosomes, grey. (B) Following replication each chromosome now consists of two sister chromatids, which in most organisms condense and in all organisms homologous (maternal and paternal) chromosomes pair up. In most organisms the closest pairing confirmation leads to synapsis when protein structure called the synaptonemal complex holds homologues very close to each other (not shown). The process of recombination initiates during early chromosome pairing and is completed at the end of synapsis [88], [89]. (C) Homologues start to move apart and congress on the equator of the nucleus. They remain attached to each other due to the presence of crossovers and sister chromatids being held tightly together. (D) After attachment to the spindles the now recombinant homologous chromosomes are separated during Anaphase I. (E) A second spindle is built and (F) sister chromatids segregate during Anaphase II, yielding (G) four unique haploid gametes or spores.