Synaptonemal complex is observed during cell division in :

Options

A. Meiotic prophase
B. Mitotic prophase
C. Meiotic metaphase
D. Mitotic telophase

Answer

To determine during which phase of cell division the synaptonemal complex is observed, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Synaptonemal Complex**:
- The synaptonemal complex is a protein structure that forms between homologous chromosomes during cell division, specifically during meiosis. It plays a crucial role in the pairing of homologous chromosomes.

2. **Identifying the Phases of Meiosis**:
- Meiosis consists of two main stages: Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Each of these stages has several phases, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

3. **Focusing on Prophase I**:
- Prophase I of meiosis is further divided into five substages: leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene, and diakinesis. The formation of the synaptonemal complex occurs specifically during the zygotene phase.

4. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Option 1: Mitosis Prophase** - This is incorrect as the synaptonemal complex is not present during mitosis.
- **Option 2: Meiotic Metaphase** - This is incorrect because the synaptonemal complex is not formed during metaphase.
- **Option 3: Meiotic Prophase** - This is partially correct, but we need to specify that it is during the zygotene phase of prophase I.
- **Option 4: Mitotic Telophase** - This is incorrect as the synaptonemal complex does not form during telophase.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer is that the synaptonemal complex is observed during **prophase I of meiosis**, specifically in the **zygotene phase**.

### Final Answer:
The synaptonemal complex is observed during **prophase I of meiosis**, particularly in the **zygotene phase**.

---