Q. The pairing of homologous chromosomes in meiosis is known as

 2425  230 AIIMSAIIMS 1994Cell Cycle and Cell Division Report Error

Solution:

Zygotene stage of meiosis is characterised by pairing of homologous chromosomes (synapsis). This pairing is brought about in a zipperlike fashion and may start at centromere, at chromosome ends or at any other position. Two homologous chromosomes are called bivalent while they are pairing during meiosis. The homologous chromosomes break their connection and separate out during Anaphase- 1 of meiosis. The process of separation is named as disjunction. Synergids are elongated cells present at the micropylar end of the embryo sac.