Enzyme recombinase operates during

Options

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

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question:**
The question asks about the specific stage during which the enzyme recombinase operates. This enzyme is crucial for the process of genetic recombination.

2. **Identifying the Role of Recombinase:**
Recombinase is involved in the recombination of genes, particularly during the process known as crossing over, which occurs between homologous chromosomes.

3. **Analyzing the Stages of Meiosis:**
The stages of meiosis relevant to this question include:
- **Lepotene:** Chromosomes begin to condense.
- **Zygotene:** Homologous chromosomes pair up (synapsis).
- **Pachytene:** Crossing over occurs, where genetic material is exchanged.
- **Diplotene:** Synapsis ends, and the synaptonemal complex disappears.

4. **Evaluating Each Option:**
- **Option 1: Lepotene** - Incorrect, as this stage involves chromosomal condensation, not recombination.
- **Option 2: Zygotene** - Incorrect, as this stage is characterized by the pairing of homologous chromosomes.
- **Option 3: Pachytene** - Correct, as this is the stage where crossing over occurs, facilitated by the action of recombinase.
- **Option 4: Diplotene** - Incorrect, as this stage marks the end of synapsis and does not involve crossing over.

5. **Conclusion:**
The enzyme recombinase operates during the **Pachytene stage** of meiosis, where crossing over takes place.

**Final Answer:**
The enzyme recombinase operates during the Pachytene stage.

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