division I of meiosis

(cell and molecular biology) The first nuclear division of meiosis, which results in two daughter cells, each containing either the maternal or paternal chromosome from each homologous pair; it is divided into four stages: prophase I (homologous chromosome pairing, synapsis, and crossing over), metaphase I (interlocked homologous chromosomes line up on the middle of the meiotic spindle), anaphase I (homologous chromosome pairs separate and move to opposite poles), and telephase I (nuclear envelope reforms around each daughter nucleus).