Question

What happens to the homologous pairs after the meiotic prophase?

Answer 1

Meiosis:

1. It is a type of cell division that produces four daughter cells by halving their genetic content.
2. It is responsible for gamete formation required for sexual reproduction.

During Prophase-I of meiosis:

1. The sister chromatids of two homologous chromosomes get paired and form synaptonemal complexes.
2. This results in the formation of a bivalent or tetrad stage which is characterized by the sites at which crossing over occurs.
3. This further leads to the recombination of genetic material on two chromosomes.

At the end of Prophase I:

1. The synaptonemal complex breaks up and is usually characterized by x-shaped cells called chiasmata.
2. The chromosomes become fully condensed after crossing over and recombination.
3. The nucleolus and the nuclear membrane of the cell start to disappear.