Question

How would you describe what happens to chromosomes during meiosis?

Answer 1

During cell division short thick rod-like organelle called the chromosomes are formed by condensing and tight coiling of the chromatin fibres. Each species has a fixed number of chromosomes in their cells.

Complete answer:
Meiosis involves two types of divisions which produce from one diploid cell four haploid cells. Each of these cells receive one chromosome of each homologous pair. It occurs in gametophytes and sporophytes producing gamete and spores respectively. Each meiotic division consists of the same four phases as the mitosis.
In prophase-I, homologous chromosome synapse or pair forming tetrads. Non sister chromatids in a tetrad mutually exchange corresponding segments that are crossing over or recombination occurs.
In metaphase-I, the tetrads line up at the equator of the spindle to form two metaphase plates. Each of these chromosomes or dyads is joined by spindle fibres to one pole of the spindle.
In anaphase-I, the homologous chromosomes separate and move to the opposite poles of the spindle.
In telophase-I a new nucleus may form at each pole and the cell may divide into two daughter cells. Each new cell contains only one member of each pair of the homologous chromosome that reduces division.
Meiosis-I is followed by a short interkinesis in which replication of DNA does not occur.
Meiosis-II is an equational division. In it chromatids move to the opposite poles of the spindle and haploid cells are formed. The diploid number is restored when the haploid gametes fuse in fertilization.

Note: Meiosis produces gamete and spores which provides a chance for genetic variation through recombination and helps in the maintenance of chromosome number from generation to generation.