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 rounds of division, called meiosis I and meiosis II.

Meiosis I

During prophase I of meiosis I, the homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material through a process called crossing-over. This process results in the formation of new chromosomes that are a mixture of the maternal and paternal chromosomes.

The homologous chromosomes then separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. This is followed by cytokinesis, which divides the cell into two daughter cells.

Meiosis II

Meiosis II is similar to mitosis, except that it occurs in haploid cells. The homologous chromosomes line up at the center of the cell and then separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.

This is followed by cytokinesis, which divides the cell into two daughter cells.

The final products of meiosis are four haploid cells, each with a unique combination of chromosomes. These cells are then able to fuse with other haploid cells to form zygotes, which develop into new individuals.