500
Describe the process of meiosis. - Detail
The chromosomes become visible when they shorten and thicken, like a compressed spring.
They replicate, forming identical chromatids.
Crossing over occurs when homologous chromosomes pair up and twist round each other. Chunks of genes are exchanged, creating a unique mix of genes on each chromosome.
Chromosomes line up in pairs, then move to separate poles in the first cell division.
A second cell division occurs, separating the chromatids. The result is four cells, each with the haploid number of chromosomes.