Meiosis is the process by which germ-line cells (eggs and sperm) are produced. It is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, from diploid (2n) to haploid (n). Meiosis consists of two divisions, meiosis I and meiosis II.

Meiosis I

1. Prophase I: This is the longest and most complex stage of meiosis. During prophase I, the homologous chromosomes pair up and undergo a process called crossing-over, in which genetic material is exchanged between the chromosomes. The chromosomes then condense and become visible.

2. Metaphase I: The homologous chromosomes line up in the center of the cell.

3. Anaphase I: The homologous chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.

4. Telophase I: Two daughter cells are formed, each with a haploid number of chromosomes.

Meiosis II

1. Prophase II: The chromosomes condense and become visible.

2. Metaphase II: The chromosomes line up in the center of the cell.

3. Anaphase II: The sister chromatids of each chromosome separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.

4. Telophase II: Four daughter cells are formed, each with a haploid number of chromosomes.

The end result of meiosis is the production of four haploid gametes (eggs or sperm) from a single diploid cell.