Meiosis II generally resembles mitosis.

Prophase II

Prophase II is much less complex than prophase I, so it is not divided into substages. In prophase II, new nuclear membranes that formed in telophase I (if they formed) will now break down, and chromosomes recondense.

Metaphase II

Centromeres connect to spindle fibers during metaphase II, and the chromosomes line up along the metaphase plate. Once the chromosomes are lined up, the centromeres begin to divide.

Anaphase II

During anaphase II, the sibling chromatids separate and begin to move toward opposite poles of the cell. Each chromatid, once separated from its sibling, can be considered a separate chromosome.

Telophase II

When the chromosomes reach the poles, the cells are in telophase II. During this stage, nuclear membranes form again, and cytokinesis occurs. The overall result from one diploid cell entering meiosis is four haploid cells, which are ready to take part in fertilization.

The whole process of meiosis is summarized in the animation shown below. As in the above example, the diploid number of chromosomes of the cell in the animation is four. The figure specifically looks at the production of a haploid egg, which is subsequently fertilized, reconstituting the diploid state. For the sake of simplicity, this animation shows the chromosomes as being condensed before replication of the chromosomes has occurred; in reality, the chromosomes would not condense until after replication. As you view the animation, try to identify as many of the stages of meiosis as you can (the substages of prophase I will be impossible to distinguish). To view the animation, click here.

The next animation shows the result if there is nondisjunction during meiosis I. To view this animation, click here.