5stages of prophase- meiosis cell division

What is prophase I in meiosis?

Prophase I is the first stage of meiosis where homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material through crossing over.

What occurs during leptotene?

Leptotene is the initial substage of prophase I where the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes and synapsis begins.

What is the role of zygotene?

In zygotene, homologous chromosomes continue to pair, forming a structure known as the synaptonemal complex.

Define pachytene in meiosis.

Pachytene is the stage in prophase I where crossing over occurs, resulting in genetic recombination between homologous chromosomes.

What happens during diplotene?

Diplotene is characterized by the separation of homologous chromosomes that were previously paired, but they remain connected at chiasmata.

Describe diakinesis.

Diakinesis is the final substage of prophase I when chromosomes condense further and the nuclear envelope begins to break down, preparing for metaphase.

What is synapsis in meiosis?

Synapsis is the pairing of homologous chromosomes during prophase I, facilitating genetic recombination.

What are chiasmata?

Chiasmata are the points where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material during crossing over.

Why is crossing over important?

Crossing over increases genetic diversity by allowing the exchange of genetic material between different parental chromosomes.

How does prophase I differ from prophase II?

Prophase I involves chromosome pairing and genetic recombination, while prophase II does not have these features and involves individual chromosomes.