Meiosis is the process of cell division in eukaryotic cells that results in the formation of

four genetically diverse daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as
the parent cell. The process of meiosis is divided into two main stages: meiosis I and
meiosis II.

1. Meiosis I: During this stage, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic
material through a process called crossing over. This results in the formation of
chromosomes with new combinations of genetic information. The cell then undergoes a
typical mitotic division, but instead of forming two identical daughter cells, the cell
divides into two haploid cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent
cell.
2. Meiosis II: The chromosomes that were replicated during interphase of meiosis I, now
divide again, in a similar manner as mitosis, resulting in the formation of four haploid
cells.

Meiosis plays a critical role in sexual reproduction as it allows for the formation of
genetically diverse sperm and egg cells. These sperm and egg cells then fuse during
fertilization to form a zygote with a full complement of chromosomes. Meiosis also
ensures the proper distribution of chromosomes during cell division, which is essential
for the proper growth and development of organisms.

Note: Meiosis is a complex process that involves multiple stages, each with its own set
of steps and substeps. The process of meiosis is also prone to errors, which can result in
chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Klinefelter
syndrome.