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Multiple Choice
Which step in meiosis is characterized by homologous chromosomes pairing and exchanging genetic material?
A
Telophase I
B
Prophase I
C
Anaphase I
D
Metaphase I
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid cells, each genetically distinct from the parent cell.
Recognize that meiosis consists of two stages: Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Each stage has several phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.
Focus on Prophase I of Meiosis I, where homologous chromosomes pair up in a process called synapsis. This pairing forms structures known as tetrads.
During Prophase I, a critical event called crossing over occurs. This is where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, leading to genetic variation in the resulting gametes.
Identify that the exchange of genetic material during Prophase I is facilitated by the formation of chiasmata, which are points where the chromosomes physically connect and exchange segments.