1. This is very prolonged phase, and differs from the prophase of mitosis, because in this Chromosomes behave as homologous pairs.

2. Each diploid cell has two chromosomes of each type, one member from each parent, because of fusion of male and female gametes.

3. Each chromosomes has two chromatids because chromosomes have been replicated during inter phase.

4. The Interphase of meiosis lack G2 stage.

5. These similar but not necessarily identical chromosomes are called as homologous chromosomes.

- Prophase Ι further consists of the following stages:

a) leptontene,
b) zygotene,
c) pachytene,
d) diplotene and
e) Diakinesis.