Understand that meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the production of gametes or spores.
Meiosis consists of two consecutive divisions: Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Meiosis I is the reductional division where homologous chromosomes are separated.
In Meiosis I, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material through a process called crossing over during prophase I.
During metaphase I, these homologous pairs align at the metaphase plate, and in anaphase I, they are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.
At the end of Meiosis I, cytokinesis occurs, resulting in two haploid cells, each with duplicated chromosomes (sister chromatids still attached).