Meiosis I consists of four phases: prophase I ... then line up along the equator of the cell, termed the metaphase plate (Figure 2). As the new chromosomes reach the spindle during telophase ...

As in mitosis metaphase, (and unlike meiosis metaphase I), fibers from the centrioles begin to pull on each one of the chromosomes from both directions.

In mammals, the timing of meiosis differs greatly between males and females (Figure 2). Male germ cells, or spermatogonia, do not enter meiosis until after puberty. Even then, only limited numbers ...