does dna replicate in meiosis

DNA does replicate in meiosis, but only once before the process begins, during the premeiotic S phase. This replication results in each chromosome consisting of two identical sister chromatids, which then undergo two rounds of cell division in meiosis I and meiosis II to produce four haploid daughter cells with half the chromosome number of the original parent cell. More specifically, DNA replication occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle that precedes the start of meiosis. After replication, meiosis proceeds with chromosome pairing, recombination, and two successive rounds of chromosome segregation without any additional DNA replication occurring between these divisions. This ensures genetic diversity in the resulting gametes while maintaining the correct chromosome number reduction. Thus, meiosis involves one round of DNA replication followed by two rounds of cell division, enabling the formation of haploid cells essential for sexual reproduction.