After DNA replication, prophase I includes homologous pairing and crossing over. At metaphase I, homologous pairs align at the equator. Anaphase I separates homologues while sister chromatids remain joined. By telophase I, chromosomes reach the poles; nuclei may reform, with each set haploid but its chromosomes still duplicated. The two divisions are not separated by another complete DNA replication.
In prophase II a spindle forms for the second division. Metaphase II aligns individual duplicated chromosomes rather than homologous pairs. Anaphase II separates sister chromatids. Telophase II and cytokinesis typically produce four haploid products with unduplicated chromosomes. To identify a stage, ask whether homologues or sisters are paired, aligned or separating; cell number alone may not distinguish every stage.
Example 1
Homologous pairs line up together at the equator. Which stage is shown?
Metaphase I. At metaphase II, individual duplicated chromosomes align rather than homologous pairs.
Example 2
Sister chromatids move to opposite poles during the second meiotic division. Name the stage.
Anaphase II. Anaphase I separates homologous chromosomes instead.
Watch out: Metaphase I aligns homologous pairs; metaphase II aligns individual duplicated chromosomes.