Meiosis is the process by which germ cells divide to form gametes. During prophase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material through crossing over. The chromosomes then align at the metaphase plate before separating in anaphase I, resulting in two haploid cells at the end of telophase I. These cells will undergo a second division to form a total of four haploid cells through meiosis.