Meiosis cell division. Illustration of the stages of meiosis, where a cell with a double set of paired chromosomes (a diploid cell) exchanges genetic material (DNA, pink and green) between the chromosomes and divides to produce first 2 and then 4 gametes with only a single set of chromosomes (haploid cells). This is a key part of sexual reproduction. Meiosis I (across top) consists of (left to right): interphase, early prophase I, prophase I, late prophase I, metaphase I and anaphase I. Meiosis II (across bottom) consists of: interphase, prophase II, metaphase II, anaphase II and telophase II. For this artwork without labels, see C023/8859.