GROW and multiply to form a diversity of life forms, this process of GROWTH and multiplication of cells is called Cell Division.Cell division is of three types:Mitosis - Equational division, occurs in SOMATIC (non-sex) cellsMeiosis - Reducttional division, occurs in sex cellsAmitosis - Direct type of division, occurs in prokaryotesMeiosis can be further divided into two stages - MEIOSIS I and Meiosis IIExplanation:Prophase I of Meiosis I has 5 sub-stagesLeptotene, Zygotene, Pachytene, Diplotene, Diakinesis.The Zygotene stage is characterized by the pairing of homologous chromosomes called the ''Synapsis''The pairs of homologous chromosomes are called Bivalents.There develops a structure between the homologous chromosomes called the synaptonemal complex. It is a tripartite structure i.e. it is made up of 3 thick lines of DNA and protein. Leptotene: During leptotene, the chromatin condenses to form the chromosomes. Chromosomes are the longest and thinnest in this stage.Pachytene: This stage is characterized by the occurrence of crossing over. Non-sister chromatids of the homologous chromosomes exchange their genetic parts. Metaphase I: The first metaphase of meiosis characterized by the alignment of paired chromosomes along the center (metaphase plate) of a cell, which ensures that two complete copies of chromosomes are present in the RESULTING two daughter cells of meiosis I.