Meiosis is a cellular division that produces four haploid daughter cells from a parent cell. It is observed in gametes/sex cells. The process of meiosis undergoes two consecutive divisions. Each division has five phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis.
In Meiosis I, the chromosomes of the parent cells are multiplied. Each chromatid of the chromosomes exchanges genetic information, or <em>recombination</em>. The number of chromosomes at the end of Meiosis I is haploid but the chromatids of the chromosomes are still attached to each other. Due to recombination, the sister chromatids may not be identical to each other.
In Meiosis II, the chromosomes are separated and produce four daughter cells. It is shorter compared to Meiosis I because it no longer replicates the DNA or exchanges genetic information, and just separates the prepared chromatids from Meiosis I. It is similar to mitosis since it begins with a haploid cell and ends with a haploid cell.
