NEETBotanyCell Cycle and Cell Division
What is the name of the complex structure formed during the zygotene stage of prophase I in meiosis?
Options
- ASynaptonemal complex
- BRecombination nodules
- CChiasmata
- DHomologous chromosomes
Correct answer
A. Synaptonemal complex
Step-by-step solution
During this stage chromosomes start pairing together and this process of association is called synapsis. Such paired chromosomes are called homologous chromosomes. Electron micrographs of this stage indicate that chromosome synapsis is accompanied by the formation of complex structure called synaptonemal complex. The complex formed by a pair of synapsed homologous chromosomes is called a bivalent or a tetrad. however, these are more clearly visible at the next stage. The first two stages of prophase I are relativel