The tetrad, which divides into non-sister chromatids, exchanges genetic information in order to make the genetic pool more variant, and result in combinations of phenotypic traits that can occur outside of linked genotypic coding.

During prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair with each other and exchange genetic material in a process called chromosomal crossover. The exchange occurs in segments over a small region of homology (similarity in sequence, ie., the same alleles). The new combinations of DNA created during crossover provide a significant source of genetic variation.  

Crossing over occurs when chromosomal homologs exchange information during metaphase of Meiosis I. During this stage, homologous chromosomes line up on the metaphase plate and exchange genetic information.

Crossing over occurs during prophase I when parts of the homologous chromosomes overlap and switch their genes.

When a primary oogonium undergoes meiosis, it will only result in one viable germ cell, or egg. The other smaller cells are called polar bodies and typically disappear following division. Spermatogenesis will result in four separate sperm cells, each capable of producing offspring.

Both eggs and sperm are haploid, and both processes can involve crossing over during meiosis.

Gametes are formed during the process of meiosis. Oogenesis is the process by which the female games are produced, which occurs in the ovary. The product of oogenesis is one mature egg from one primary oocyte; this occurs about once every four weeks in humans.

Down's syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. This trisomy is a result of nondisjunction, which can occur during either meiosis I or meiosis II. Nondisjunction most often occurs during anaphase I of meiosis. Note that most other trisomies and monosomies are lethal.

Follicular atresia is a hormone-controlled, apoptotic (cell-suicide) process by which immature follicles degenerate and are resorbed into the main body of the ovary, leaving one out of typically 20 primary follicles standing as a secondary follicle. This process, moderated by follicle stimulating hormone and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), assists the body in forming the corpus luteum out of the remaining follicle following ovulation, as the body would otherwise not be able to generate enough progesterone to continue the process.

Oogonia are the primordial oocytes formed inside females either during or shortly after birth. At this time, the formation of primary oocytes occurs during dictyate, which lasts until the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) just before the onset of puberty. After menarche, a few of these cells will further develop each period into secondary oocytes, which are halted in metaphase II until fertilization. At the end of meiosis II, both polar bodies created to discard extra haploid sets of chromosomes disintegrate, leaving behind the oocyte which can then mature into an ovum. Thus, the correct order is the following order: oogonium, primary oocyte, secondary oocyte, and ovum.

The female gamete is called the ovum (ova, plural). A zygote is the cell that results from fertilization occurs between two gametes. An ovary is the female reproductive organ that produces ova. Sperm is the male gamete. The uterus is the organ where the fetus develops.