Question:

The stage during which separation of the paired homologous chromosomes begins is

Updated On: Apr 11, 2026
  • Zygotene
  • Pachytene
  • Diakinesis
  • Diplotene
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The question is about the stage in meiosis where the separation of paired homologous chromosomes begins. This process occurs during meiosis, which is a type of cell division responsible for producing gametes in sexually reproducing organisms.

Let's examine the stages given in the options:

  • Zygotene: This is the stage where homologous chromosomes start pairing up, a process known as synapsis.
  • Pachytene: In this stage, the paired homologous chromosomes, now called bivalents, undergo crossing over where exchange of genetic material occurs.
  • Diplotene: This is the stage where the synaptonemal complex is disassembled, and the paired homologous chromosomes start to separate while still being attached at the chiasmata (the crossover points).
  • Diakinesis: This is the final stage of prophase I during meiosis I, where further condensation of chromosomes occurs, and they prepare for separation during metaphase I.

The correct answer is Diplotene because it is during this stage that the separation of paired homologous chromosomes begins, although they remain attached at the chiasmata.

Therefore, the answer is: Diplotene.

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Concepts Used:

Meiosis

Meiosis is a process in which a single cell, a diploid cell, undergoes division twice to produce four haploid daughter cells, and the cells produced are known as the sex cells or gametes (sperms in males and egg in females). It contains half of the original amount of genetic information. The haploids only have half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.

Features of Meiosis:

  • It results in the formation of four daughter cells in each cycle of cell division.
  • The daughter cells are identical to the mother cell in shape and size but different in chromosome number.
  • The daughter cells are haploid.
  • Recombination and segregation take place in meiosis.
  • The process occurs in the reproductive organs and results in the formation of gametes.
  • The process is divided into two types-Meiosis-I reduces the chromosome number to half and is known as reductional division. Meiosis-II is just like the mitotic division.

Phases of Meiosis

Meiosis can be divided into nine stages. The process is usually divided into two parts. The first time a cell divides (meiosis I) and the second time it divides (meiosis II). The phases are as follows –

Meiosis 1 Stages

The different stages of meiosis 1 can be explained by the following phases :

  • Prophase 1
  • Metaphase 1
  • Anaphase 1
  • Telophase 1

Meiosis 2 Stages

The different stages of meiosis 1 can be explained by the following phases :

  • Prophase 2
  • Metaphase 2
  • Anaphase 2
  • Telophase 2