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Related Concept Videos

Meiosis II01:57

Meiosis II

Meiosis II is the second and final stage of meiosis. It relies on the haploid cells produced during meiosis I, each of which contain only 23 chromosomes—one from each homologous initial pair. Importantly, each chromosome in these cells is composed of two joined copies, and when these cells enter meiosis II, the goal is to separate such sister chromatids using the same microtubule-based network employed in other division processes. The result of meiosis II is two haploid cells, each containing...
Crossing Over01:34

Crossing Over

Unlike mitosis, meiosis aims for genetic diversity in its creation of haploid gametes. Dividing germ cells first begin this process in prophase I, where each chromosome—replicated in S phase—is now composed of two sister chromatids (identical copies) joined centrally.
The homologous pairs of sister chromosomes—one from the maternal and one from the paternal genome—then begin to align alongside each other lengthwise, matching corresponding DNA positions in a process called synapsis.
In order to...
Separation of Sister Chromatids02:17

Separation of Sister Chromatids

At the transition from prophase to metaphase, there is a reduction in cohesion along the chromosomal arms, resulting in the resolution of sister chromatids. However, residual cohesin connections remain to hold the sister chromatids together until the transition from metaphase to anaphase. The residual connection prevents any premature separation of sister chromatids, blocking the risks of aneuploidy within the daughter cells.
At the onset of anaphase, separase, a proteolytic enzyme, is...
Meiosis II02:02

Meiosis II

Meiosis II entails cell division and segregation of the sister chromatids, resulting in the production of four unique haploid gametes. The steps for meiosis II are similar to mitosis, except that meiosis II occurs in haploid cells, whereas mitosis occurs in diploid cells.
The timing and cell division patterns of meiosis differ between males and females. In male meiosis, the centrosomes are part of the formation of the meiotic spindle. However, in oocytes, including that of humans, Drosophila,...
Separation of Sister Chromatids02:17

Separation of Sister Chromatids

At the transition from prophase to metaphase, there is a reduction in cohesion along the chromosomal arms, resulting in the resolution of sister chromatids. However, residual cohesin connections remain to hold the sister chromatids together until the transition from metaphase to anaphase. The residual connection prevents any premature separation of sister chromatids, blocking the risks of aneuploidy within the daughter cells.
At the onset of anaphase, separase, a proteolytic enzyme, is...
Crossing Over01:30

Crossing Over

Crossing over is the exchange of genetic information between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis I. Genetic recombination gives rise to allelic diversity in the newly formed daughter cells. In humans, crossing over produces genetically distinct haploid egg and sperm cells that undergo fertilization to produce unique offspring. Before cell division starts, the germ cell’s chromosome(s) undergo duplication in the S phase of the cell cycle. As the cells enter prophase I, duplicated...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Chromatin Spread Preparations for the Analysis of Mouse Oocyte Progression from Prophase to Metaphase II
10:39

Chromatin Spread Preparations for the Analysis of Mouse Oocyte Progression from Prophase to Metaphase II

Published on: February 26, 2018

A link between meiotic prophase progression and crossover control.

Peter M Carlton1, Alfonso P Farruggio, Abby F Dernburg

  • 1Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA.

Plos Genetics
|February 8, 2006
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Meiotic progression relies on DNA crossover maturation, ensuring proper chromosome segregation. Failure in synapsis, or chromosome pairing, globally impacts recombination and delays this process.

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Frequency and Distribution of Crossovers in Caenorhabditis elegans Meiosis by SNP Genotyping using Real-time PCR
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Frequency and Distribution of Crossovers in Caenorhabditis elegans Meiosis by SNP Genotyping using Real-time PCR

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Preparation of Meiotic Chromosome Spreads from Mouse Oocytes for Assessment of Synapsis and Recombination
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Preparation of Meiotic Chromosome Spreads from Mouse Oocytes for Assessment of Synapsis and Recombination

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Chromatin Spread Preparations for the Analysis of Mouse Oocyte Progression from Prophase to Metaphase II
10:39

Chromatin Spread Preparations for the Analysis of Mouse Oocyte Progression from Prophase to Metaphase II

Published on: February 26, 2018

Frequency and Distribution of Crossovers in Caenorhabditis elegans Meiosis by SNP Genotyping using Real-time PCR
06:18

Frequency and Distribution of Crossovers in Caenorhabditis elegans Meiosis by SNP Genotyping using Real-time PCR

Published on: July 11, 2025

Preparation of Meiotic Chromosome Spreads from Mouse Oocytes for Assessment of Synapsis and Recombination
09:24

Preparation of Meiotic Chromosome Spreads from Mouse Oocytes for Assessment of Synapsis and Recombination

Published on: July 18, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Meiosis ensures at least one DNA crossover per homologous chromosome pair for proper segregation.
  • The mechanism ensuring a minimum crossover number remains largely unknown.
  • Chromosomes polarize in early meiosis, a process linked to homolog synapsis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how chromosomes achieve a minimum of one crossover during meiosis.
  • To understand the relationship between nuclear reorganization, synapsis, and meiotic progression.
  • To explore the role of recombination intermediates in regulating crossover number and placement.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a classification scheme to stage meiotic progression.
  • Used immunofluorescence to localize RAD-51 protein.
  • Conducted genetic analysis involving double-strand breaks and specific genes (HIM-14/Msh4, MSH-5).

Main Results:

  • Mutations impairing synapsis delayed nuclear reorganization and sustained recombination intermediates.
  • Meiotic delay required double-strand breaks and functional HIM-14 (Msh4) and MSH-5.
  • Asynapsis of one chromosome pair (X chromosome) globally affected autosome crossover control.

Conclusions:

  • Maturation of meiotic recombination events promotes meiotic progression.
  • Crossover number and placement are regulated and coupled to recombination maturation.
  • Asynapsis can have widespread effects on meiotic progression and recombination frequency, impacting the interpretation of meiotic mutants.