Define meiosis. Describe the main stages in the process.

Meiosis is the process of a "parent" cell splitting itself to produce more cells that have half of their genetic code. First, the DNA replication must begin (the chromosomes are not yet condensed). Secondly, the cells divide and a pairing of chromosomes called synapses happens. The chromosomes then line up equally but are not yet divided. The chromosomes are moved to opposite sides of the cell, in which the cell is then split into two, each divided cell with a pair of its sister chromosomes.