| Meiosis II | |
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As discussed in part one of this series, meiosis is a two-part cell division process in organisms that sexually reproduce which results in gametes with one half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. Let's look at an overview of meiosis II.
Meiosis II
Meiosis II is the second part of the meiotic process. Much of the process is similar to mitosis and meiosis I.
The following changes occur:
Prophase II
- If needed, the nuclear membrane and nuclei break up while the spindle "network" appears and the chromosomes begin migrating to the metaphase II plate (at the cell's equator).
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Metaphase II
- The chromosomes line up at the metaphase II plate at the cell's center. The kinetochores of the sister chromatids point toward opposite poles.
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Anaphase II
- The sister chromatids separate and move toward the opposite cell poles.
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Telophase II
- Distinct nuclei form at the opposite poles and cytokinesis occurs.
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At the end of meiosis II, there are four daughter cells each with one half the number of chromosomes of the original parent cell.
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