The stage during which separation of the paired homologous chromosomes begins is
Answer: (B) Diplotene. Answer: Diplotene Solution: Separation of paired homologous chromosomes begins at diplotene, which starts with dissolution of the synaptonemal complex so the recombined homologues of each bivalent start to separate, remaining linked only at the chiasmata.
- A.Diakinesis
- B.Diplotene✓
- C.Pachytene
- D.Zygotene
Correct Answer
(B) Diplotene
Solution & Explanation
Answer: Diplotene Solution: Separation of paired homologous chromosomes begins at diplotene, which starts with dissolution of the synaptonemal complex so the recombined homologues of each bivalent start to separate, remaining linked only at the chiasmata. Zygotene and pachytene precede this, involving pairing (synapsis) and crossing over respectively, when chromosomes are still held together. Diakinesis follows diplotene and is marked by terminalisation of chiasmata, by which point separation has already begun. NCERT Reference: Ch 10, p.126, lines 72-73 — "homologous chromosomes of the bivalents to separate from each other"