With the help of sutiable diagram, explain the five stages of prophase I of meiosis.

Explanation

Prophase-I of meiosis is longer and more complex as compared to mitotic prophase and is subdivided into following five phases `:`
i. During the leptotene stage , compaction of chromosomes occurs and chromosomes become more visible.
ii. During zygotene stage, pairing of homologous chromosomes ( synapsis )occurs, this is accompanied by bivalent or tetrad formation.
iii. In the pachytene stage, recombination `//` crossing over,i.e. exchange of genetic material takes place between non-sister chromatidsof homologous chromosomes. ltrgt iv. During diplotene stage, the bivalents separate from each other except at the sites of crossovers ( chiasmata ).
v. During diakinesis, chromosomes are completely condensed and assembly of meiotic spindle occurs. The nucleolus and nuclear envelope start disappearing.