During which phase of meiosis do the chromosomes condense for the second time?

After the first division of meiosis (meiosis I), the cell enters a second round of division called meiosis II. During this division, the chromosomes condense for the second time in preparation for their separation. The phase of meiosis II in which the chromosomes condense is called prophase II.

During prophase II, the nuclear envelope dissolves, and the condensed chromosomes become visible under the microscope. Unlike prophase I, where homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material, in prophase II, there is no pairing of homologous chromosomes, and no crossing over occurs. Instead, the two sister chromatids of each chromosome become visible and prepare for separation during the subsequent stages of meiosis II.

Once the chromosomes have condensed during prophase II, they align at the equator of the cell during metaphase II and are separated during anaphase II. The final stage of meiosis II is telophase II, where the separated chromosomes reach opposite poles of the cell and the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes.