Before meiosis begins, the diploid germline cell goes through the three stages of interphase: G1, S, and G2. The DNA in the cell is replicated during the S, or Synthesis, stage.

Meiosis is divided into two phases, beginning with Meiosis I. The first stage of Meiosis I is prophase I. During the beginning of this stage, the chromosomes condense.

During the middle of prophase I, homologous chromosome undergo synapsis, or pairing up. This is followed by an exhange of DNA between non-sister chromatids. This exchange is called recombination, or crossing over.

At the end of prophase I, the nuclear membrane breaks down, the centrosomes have migrated to the opposite ends of the cell, and the spindle apparatus is being formed.

This is followed by metaphase I. During this stage, the spindle fibers, or microtubules, attach to the centromere of each chromosome. The chromosomes are then aligned at the equator, or mephase plate, of the cell.

Next is anaphase I. Here the homologous chromosome are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell. It is important to note that the sister chromatids remain attached at the centromere of each chromosome.

The last stage of Meiosis I is telophase I. In telophase I, the microtubules break down, the nuclear membrane reforms, and the chromosomes return to an uncondensed state. The cell then divides into two haploid daughter cells by cytokinesis.