What is the difference in prophase one and prophase two?

Answer AND Explanation:

The main difference between prophase I and II is that during prophase 1, the pairing of homologous chromosomes and the synapsis allows the non sister chromatids to cross over at chiasmata, leading to genetic recombination between chromosomes. During prophase II, synapsis does not occur hence, no genetic recombination takes place between the chromosomes.

During Prophase I the Centrosome is duplicated during the interphase, which is a process prior to prophase while in Prophase II, the Centrosome is duplicated during the prophase II due to the lack of an interphase.

Prophase I

The starting of meiosis I is prophase I There happens a long interphase before the prophase I Homologous chromosome pairing is seen in prophase I Crossing over process and chiasmata formation is a unique feature of prophase I Genetic material exchange to make various recombinants are seen in Prophase I

Prophase II

The starting of meiosis II in prophase II There is absence of interphase before the beginning of prophase II, In this case prophase II begins straight after the telophase I Homologous pairing or no such operation can be seen in the Prophase II Crossing over process and chiasmata formation is a unique feature of prophase I is absent in Prophase II Genetic material exchange cannot be seen in prophase II