User:YellowCat5/sandbox

Prophase is the first stage of division. At this point, the nuclear envelope will be broken down. Long strands of chromatin condense to form shorter more visible strands called chromosomes. Chromosomes will also be visible under a microscope and will be connected at the centromere. Prophase in meiosis differs from prophase in Mitosis. In meiosis prophase has sub stages, also known as reduction division. This division includes leptoneme, zygoneme, pachyneme, diploneme, and diakinesis. Leptoneme, the first stage of prophase 1 in meiosis, is known for its threadlike characteristics. While in this stage, the replicated chromosomes are beginning to condense. Zygoneme, the second stage, consist of the chromosomes synapse, becoming pairs. Following this stage is pachyneme. Homologous chromosomes are modified by thickening, shortening and finally separating. When the homologous chromosomes separate they do so in fours and are referred to as chromatids. After the chromosomes have been modified they begin to move away from each other except for at the chiasma, in the diplonema. The final stage of prophase 1 in mieosis, diakinesis, follows the condensing of chromosomes and dispersion of nucleolus fragments and nuclear envelopes.