What is the outcome of synapsis, a significant event in meiosis?
a. side-by-side alignment of nonhomologous chromosomes
b. chiasma segregation
c. monad movement to opposite poles
d. dyad formation
e. side-by-side alignment of homologous chromosomes
Answer
During synapsis, homologous chromosomes come together and get aligned to form a tetrad. It results into crossing over of chromosomal fragment between non sister chromatids of the two homology chromosomes. Thus, correct option is
| (E) | side-by-side alignment of homologous chromosomes |
The correct option is E. During synapsis, homologous chromosomes are aligned side by side for two purposes. One is for the attachment by centromeres to the opposite poles through microtubules. This helps in the reductional division in the meiosis I. Second purpose of the synapse is to generate diversity by recombination between the sister chromatids of the aligned chromosomes.