Pairing of homologous chromosomes occurs during

Options

A. Leptotene
B. Zygotene
C. Pachytene
D. Diplotene

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Homologous Chromosomes**: Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes, one from each parent, that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content.

2. **Identifying the Process of Pairing**: The process of pairing homologous chromosomes is known as synapsis. This occurs during a specific phase of meiosis.

3. **Analyzing the Stages of Meiosis**: The stages of meiosis where synapsis occurs include:
- **Leptotene**: Chromosomes start to condense, but homologous chromosomes do not pair yet.
- **Zygotene**: This is the stage where homologous chromosomes begin to pair up and synapsis occurs.
- **Pachytene**: At this stage, the chromosomes are fully paired, and crossing over occurs.
- **Diplotene**: The synapsis is completed, and the homologous chromosomes start to separate.

4. **Choosing the Correct Answer**: Based on the analysis, the correct stage where pairing of homologous chromosomes occurs is during the **Zygotene** stage of meiosis.

**Final Answer**: Pairing of homologous chromosomes occurs during **Zygotene**.

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