Plant life cycles have two sequential phases that are termed alternation of generations . Many protists and fungi have a haploid dominated life cycle. Many protists reproduce by mitosis until their environment deteriorates, then they undergo sexual reproduction to produce a resting zygotic cyst. Meiosis produces 4 haploid cells. Mitosis produces 2 diploid cells.
Synapsis is the process of linking of the replicated homologous chromosomes.
Crossing-over may occur at this point. During crossing-over chromatids break and may be reattached to a different homologous chromosome. This doubles the variability of gamete genotypes. Near the end of Prophase I, the homologous chromosomes begin to separate slightly, although they remain attached at chiasmata. Image from W.H. Freeman and Sinauer Associates, used by permission.