Describe the processes that occur during the first division of meiosis.(6 marks)

The first division of meiosis consists of the stages, interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase. During interphase, growth of the cell and more importantly, DNA replication occurs. After DNA replication has occurred the cell can enter prophase, where homologous chromosomes pair up to form a bivalent and crossing over between non-sister chromatids occurs. At the end of prophase, the nuclear envelope breaks down and the homologous pairs migrate to the cell equator. At this point, spindle fibres attach to centromeres, allowing the homologous pairs of chromosomes to be pulled apart towards opposite poles of the cell in anaphase. Telophase occurs once the chromosomes have reached the opposite poles; however, the nuclear envelope does not reform to allow progression into meiosis II. The result of the first meiotic division is two haploid cells which undergo further division before completing meiosis.