<P> In meiosis , DNA replication is followed by two rounds of cell division to produce four daughter cells , each with half the number of chromosomes as the original parent cell . The two meiotic divisions are known as Meiosis I and Meiosis II . Before meiosis begins , during S phase of the cell cycle , the DNA of each chromosome is replicated so that it consists of two identical sister chromatids , which remain held together through sister chromatid cohesion . This S - phase can be referred to as `` premeiotic S - phase '' or `` meiotic S - phase '' . Immediately following DNA replication , meiotic cells enter a prolonged G2 - like stage known as meiotic prophase . During this time , homologous chromosomes pair with each other and undergo genetic recombination , a programmed process in which DNA is cut and then repaired , which allows them to exchange some of their genetic information . A subset of recombination events results in crossovers , which create physical links known as chiasmata ( singular : chiasma , for the Greek letter Chi ( X ) ) between the homologous chromosomes . In most organisms , these links are essential to direct each pair of homologous chromosomes to segregate away from each other during Meiosis I , resulting in two haploid cells that have half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell . During Meiosis II , the cohesion between sister chromatids is released and they segregate from one another , as during mitosis . In some cases all four of the meiotic products form gametes such as sperm , spores , or pollen . In female animals , three of the four meiotic products are typically eliminated by extrusion into polar bodies , and only one cell develops to produce an ovum . </P>
<P> In meiosis , DNA replication is followed by two rounds of cell division to produce four daughter cells , each with half the number of chromosomes as the original parent cell . The two meiotic divisions are known as Meiosis I and Meiosis II . Before meiosis begins , during S phase of the cell cycle , the DNA of each chromosome is replicated so that it consists of two identical sister chromatids , which remain held together through sister chromatid cohesion . This S - phase can be referred to as `` premeiotic S - phase '' or `` meiotic S - phase '' . Immediately following DNA replication , meiotic cells enter a prolonged G2 - like stage known as meiotic prophase . During this time , homologous chromosomes pair with each other and undergo genetic recombination , a programmed process in which DNA is cut and then repaired , which allows them to exchange some of their genetic information . A subset of recombination events results in crossovers , which create physical links known as chiasmata ( singular : chiasma , for the Greek letter Chi ( X ) ) between the homologous chromosomes . In most organisms , these links are essential to direct each pair of homologous chromosomes to segregate away from each other during Meiosis I , resulting in two haploid cells that have half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell . During Meiosis II , the cohesion between sister chromatids is released and they segregate from one another , as during mitosis . In some cases all four of the meiotic products form gametes such as sperm , spores , or pollen . In female animals , three of the four meiotic products are typically eliminated by extrusion into polar bodies , and only one cell develops to produce an ovum . </P>
where does meiosis occur in plants and animals
where does meiosis occur in plants and animals
DNA replication
DNA replication