DNA  synthesis  occurs during interphase
   before  the  beginning  of  meiosis  I but does not occur again before
   meiosis II.

   In  prophase  I,  homologous  chromosomes  pair  up  into tetrads in a
   process  called  synapsis,  and  crossing  over  occurs, where genetic
   information   is   exchanged   between  nonsister  chromatids  of  the
   homologues.

   Crossing  over  produces  recombinant  chromosomes  and contributes to
   genetic variation in sexual reproduction.

   metaphase I