Saylor.org's Cell Biology/Meiosis

Meiosis, the other form of cell division, is the process by which one cell becomes four genetically unique cells. This process is essential to reproduction and the creation of unique offspring, which ultimately adds diversity to life. Meiosis is the reason you look similar to (but not exactly like) your parents. As in mitosis, meiosis is comprised of four phases. However, meiosis takes place in two stages, meiosis I and II. Most importantly, there is period of genetic recombination in meiosis during which the maternal and paternal DNA mix and result in the development of unique genomes. You should also note that, unlike mitosis, meiosis results in haploid cells and only takes place in two types of cells: sperm and oocyte cells.