Prophase I - doubling of homologous chromosomes (identical chromosomes - 2 pairs of each sister chromatids)

Metaphase I - lining of homologous chromosomes in the middle

Anaphase I - separation of homologous chromosomes to form two cells with 2n of the chromosomes

Telophase I - two cells - 2n of chromosome number

Metaphase II - lining up of chromosomes in the middle

Anaphase II - separation of chromosomes into chromatids (2n to 1n)

Telophase II - four new 1n cells




Prophase - A cell gets the idea that it is time to divide. It has to get everything ready. It has to duplicate DNA, and generally prepare the cell for the process of mitotic division.

Metaphase - Now all of the pieces are aligning themselves for the big split. The DNA lines up along a central axis and send out specialized tubules that connect to the DNA. The DNA has now condensed into chromosomes. Two strands of a chromosome are connected at the center with something called a centromere. The tubules actually connect to the centromere, not the DNA.

Anaphase - Here we go! The separation begins. Half of the chromosomes are pulled to one side of the cell; half go the other way. When the chromosomes get to the side of the cell, it's time to move on to telophase. (Sweet dude telophase time!!!)
Telophase - complete division of cell membrane, and two cells are formed

(and then there were two!)

****Mitosis occurs in all cells, but meiosis is just for reproduction of cells****