What is the meaning of the word "pachytene"?
The pachytene stage is pivotal in meiosis because it ensures that new combinations of genetic material are created through crossing over, leading to genetic diversity in sexually reproducing populations. This stage is studied intensively in genetics and cell biology to understand better how genetic variation and chromosomal abnormalities arise.
Definitions:
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One of the stages of meiosis, the process of cell division that results in the production of gametes with half the number of chromosomes of the original cell. NOUN
- Pachytene chromosomes are structurally complex, with both maternal and paternal chromatids visible.
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The third phase of Prophase I in meiosis. NOUN
- The pachytene stage is a key marker used in cytological studies to identify cells undergoing meiosis.
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Third stage in prophase in meiosis, during which each chromosome pair separates into sister chromatids with some breakage and crossing over of genes. NOUN
- The pachytene stage is characterized by the presence of thick, condensed chromosomes in the cell nucleus.