The stage during which separatlon of paired homologous chromosomes begins is:

Options

A. Pachylene
B. Diakinesis
C. Diplotene
D. Zygotene

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question:**
The question asks for the specific stage during which the separation of paired homologous chromosomes begins.

2. **Identifying Relevant Stages of Meiosis:**
Meiosis consists of several stages, particularly in Prophase I, which includes:
- Zygotene
- Pachytene
- Diplotene
- Diakinesis

3. **Analyzing Each Stage:**
- **Zygotene:** This is the stage where homologous chromosomes begin to pair up (synapsis), but separation has not yet begun.
- **Pachytene:** At this stage, crossing over occurs between non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes. The chromosomes are still paired and not separating.
- **Diplotene:** This is the stage where the separation of paired homologous chromosomes begins. The homologous chromosomes start to pull apart, although they remain connected at points called chiasmata.
- **Diakinesis:** This is the final stage of Prophase I, where the chromosomes condense further, and the chiasmata move towards the ends of the chromosomes, but the separation has already started in the previous stage.

4. **Conclusion:**
Based on the analysis, the stage during which the separation of paired homologous chromosomes begins is **Diplotene**.

**Final Answer:**
The stage during which separation of paired homologous chromosomes begins is **Diplotene**.

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