Question Error Report

Thank you for reporting, we will resolve it shortly

Back to Question

Q. Recombination between homologous chromosomes is completed by the end of

NTA AbhyasNTA Abhyas 2020

Solution:

Prophase – I of meiosis is comparatively longer and more eventful than prophase of mitosis. It is divided into five subphases –
(a) Leptotene: Due to condensation and dehydration of chromatic material, chromosomes become gradually visible. Chromosomes are arranged in a specific bouquet stage.
(b) Zygotene: Pairing of chromosomes takes place; this process is called Synapsis. During this pairing, a synaptonemal complex is formed between two chromosomes and after pairing such chromosomes are called homologous chromosomes. Pair of synapsed chromosomes is also called Bivalent or Tetrad.
(c) Pachytene: Four chromatids of each bivalent are visible. Recombination nodules appear on chromatids of non-homologous chromosomes, at which crossing over takes place in the presence of recombinase enzyme.
(d) Diplotene: Dissolution of synaptonemal chromosomes then separation of chromosomes of homologous pair. Due to this, some X-shaped structures are visible called Chiasmata. In some vertebrates, during oogenesis, this diplotene stage remains continued for several months or years.
(e) Diakinesis: Characterised by terminalisation of chiasmata. Up to this phase, chromosomes become completely condensed. The nucleolus, nuclear membrane and cell organelles are disappeared, and formation of spindle fibre has been started.