Quick Answer: The model, plant meiosis, shows the stages of meiosis in a plant cell, the reduction division that halves the chromosome number to form spores. A plant meiosis model lets botany and genetics students follow the two meiotic divisions stage by stage, including the substages of prophase I.
Meiosis in a Plant Cell
A flowering plant carries out meiosis in two places: inside the anthers, where pollen mother cells give rise to microspores, and inside each ovule, where a megaspore mother cell gives rise to megaspores. The haploid spores then develop into the pollen grain and the embryo sac, which produce the gametes. This is the key difference from animals, in which meiosis produces the gametes themselves.
Prophase I is the longest stage and is usually divided into five substages: leptotene, when chromosomes become visible as threads; zygotene, when homologues pair; pachytene, when crossing over occurs; diplotene, when chiasmata appear as homologues begin to separate; and diakinesis, when chromosomes condense fully and the nuclear membrane breaks down. Metaphase I, anaphase I and telophase I follow, then the second division separates the sister chromatids.
The model also shows plant-cell features: a rigid cell wall, no centrioles at the spindle poles, and a cell plate forming between the daughter nuclei instead of a cleavage furrow. Such models are commonly produced as a series of stages on one board; the format, number of stages and size of this one are not listed, so confirm them before ordering. An animal meiosis model is available for comparison.
Specifications
| Process modelled | Meiosis (reduction division) in a plant cell |
| Prophase I substages | Leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene, diakinesis (as usually taught) |
| Plant-cell features | Cell wall, no centrioles, cell plate formation |
| Biological context | Spore formation in anthers and ovules |
| Stages shown, format and size | Confirm at enquiry |
Botany and Genetics Uses
- Teaching the substages of prophase I in senior secondary and undergraduate botany
- Comparing plant and animal meiosis
- Preparing for anther squash preparations from young flower buds
- Explaining the origin of genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment
Care & Handling
- Keep the plant meiosis model flat on a bench or securely hung; a dropped board can snap raised chromosome detail.
- Dust with a soft brush and avoid damp cloths on the painted chromosomes.
- Store it away from sunlight so the colours distinguishing homologous chromosomes do not fade.
Why Choose LabEquip
Botany teachers covering cell division often keep mitosis and meiosis models side by side for comparison. LabEquip lists this one in its biology lab products, and the plant genetics meiosis chart covers the same stages for revision. Use the LabEquip contact page to order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the five substages of prophase I?
Leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene and diakinesis. In turn, chromosomes condense and appear, homologues pair to form bivalents, crossing over occurs, chiasmata become visible, and finally the chromosomes are fully condensed as the nuclear envelope breaks down.
Where does meiosis happen in a flowering plant?
In the anthers, where pollen mother cells produce microspores that become pollen grains, and in the ovules, where a megaspore mother cell produces megaspores, one of which develops into the embryo sac.
How is plant cell division different from animal cell division?
Plant cells have no centrioles, so their spindle forms without them. After nuclear division they build a cell plate from the centre outwards to form a new wall, whereas animal cells pinch in with a cleavage furrow.
What is a bivalent?
A bivalent is a pair of homologous chromosomes held together during prophase I and metaphase I. Because each chromosome has two chromatids, a bivalent contains four chromatids and is also called a tetrad.
Which plant material shows meiosis under the microscope?
Young flower buds are used, especially anthers from onion, Tradescantia or maize. The anthers are squashed in a stain such as acetocarmine to show pollen mother cells at different stages.
Why is meiosis called reduction division?
The first meiotic division separates homologous chromosomes, so each daughter cell receives only one chromosome of each pair. The chromosome number is halved from diploid to haploid.
Last Updated: September 2026
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