Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Prophase II is the initial stage of meiosis II where chromosomes condense and become visible while spindle fibers form and attach to these chromosomes.
Related terms
Chromatin Condensation: This process involves tightly packing DNA material into distinct shapes that we recognize as chromosomes - much like neatly arranging all your chess pieces before you start playing.
Spindle Fibers: These are protein structures that move chromosomes during cell division. They're like the hands that physically move your chess pieces across the board.
Centromere: This is a region of DNA where two identical sister chromatids come in contact and where spindle fibers attach during cell division - it's like the base of each chess piece, holding it together.