From Regina Bailey,
Your Guide to Biology.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Meiosis Study Guide

• Overview
  
• Stages of Meiosis
  
• Meiosis Diagrams
  
• Glossary of Terms
  
• Quiz

Before a dividing cell enters meiosis, it undergoes a period of growth called interphase.

Interphase:

• G1 phase: The period prior to the synthesis of DNA. In this phase, the cell increases in mass in preparation for cell division. Note that the G in G1 represents gap and the 1 represents first, so the G1 phase is the first gap phase.


• S phase: The period during which DNA is synthesized. In most cells, there is a narrow window of time during which DNA is synthesized. Note that the S represents synthesis.


• G2 phase: The period after DNA synthesis has occurred but prior to the start of prophase. The cell synthesizes proteins and continues to increase in size. Note that the G in G2 represents gap and the 2 represents second, so the G2 phase is the second gap phase.


• In the latter part of interphase, the cell still has nucleoli present.


• The nucleus is bounded by a nuclear envelope and the cell's chromosomes have duplicated but are in the form of chromatin.


• In animal cells, two pair of centrioles formed from the replication of one pair are located outside of the nucleus.

• Overview
  
• Stages of Meiosis
  
• Meiosis Diagrams
  
• Glossary of Terms
  
• Quiz