The stage during which separation of the paired homologous chromosomes begins in
The type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half resulting in the production of haploid daughter cells is known as meiosis. It occurs during the formation of gametes in diploid organisms. It involves two cycles of nuclear and cytoplasmic division called Meiosis I and meiosis II.
Prophase I of Meiosis I is divided into the following five phases:
leptotene - condensation of chromosomes
zygotene - pairing of homologous chromosomes
pachytene - crossing over between homologous chromosomes
diplotene - separation of homologous chromosomes begins
diakinesis - terminalisation of chiasmata