Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Cell Cycle and Cell Division

Question:

Which among the following statement about zygotene is correct ?

Options:

Paired chromosomes are called homologous chromosomes .

The complex formed by a pair of synapsed homologous chromosomes is called a bivalent or a tetrad .

Chromosomes start pairing together and this process of association is called synapsis. 

All of the above .

Correct Answer:

All of the above .

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (4)-All of the above.

The production of offspring by sexual reproduction includes the fusion of two gametes, each with a complete haploid set of chromosomes. Gametes are formed from specialised diploid cells. This specialised kind of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half results in the production of haploid daughter cells. This kind of division is called meiosis. Meiosis ensures the production of haploid phase in the life cycle of sexually reproducing organisms whereas fertilisation restores the diploid phase. We come across meiosis during gametogenesis in plants and animals. This leads to the formation of haploid gametes .

Meiosis I: 

Prophase I: Prophase of the first meiotic division is typically longer and more complex when compared to prophase of mitosis. It has been further subdivided into the following five phases based on chromosomal behaviour, i.e., Leptotene, Zygotene, Pachytene, Diplotene and Diakinesis.

During zygotene 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 relatively short-lived compared to the next stage that is pachytene.