The synaptonemal complex, a tripartite proteinaceous structure that stabilizes paired homologous chromosomes, assembles during which substage of Prophase I?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Zygotene
- Step 1: In early meiosis, maternal and paternal homologous chromosomes seek each other out and initiate pairing (synapsis).
- Step 2: This intimate zipper-like pairing is mediated by the assembly of a specialized protein scaffold called the synaptonemal complex.
- Step 3: Electron microscopy reveals that the synaptonemal complex develops specifically during Zygotene.
Answer
Zygotene.
Why not the others: Leptotene precedes synapsis and lacks the synaptonemal complex; Pachytene is when the complex is fully functional and crossing over takes place; Diakinesis is the terminal stage where the complex has completely dissolved.
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