Name the stage of meiosis during which synaptonemal complex is formed.

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Meiosis**: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the formation of gametes (sperm and eggs). It consists of two successive divisions: meiosis I and meiosis II.

2. **Identifying the Key Term**: The question specifically asks about the "synaptonemal complex," which is a protein structure that forms between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

3. **Locating the Stage of Meiosis**: The formation of the synaptonemal complex is crucial for the process of crossing over, where genetic material is exchanged between homologous chromosomes. This process occurs during prophase I of meiosis.

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