Temporaily suspended stage of diplotene during meiosis -I is

Options

A. Leptotene
B. Diakinesis
C. Dictyotene
D. Pachytene

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Meiosis I:** Meiosis I consists of several stages, including prophase I, which is further divided into sub-stages: leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene, and diakinesis.

2. **Identifying the Diplotene Stage:** The diplotene stage is characterized by the pairing of homologous chromosomes (synapsis). During this stage, the chromosomes begin to separate slightly, but they remain connected at points called chiasmata where crossing over has occurred.

3. **Recognizing the Temporarily Suspended Stage:** The question asks for the temporarily suspended stage during diplotene. In meiosis, the diplotene stage can be prolonged in certain organisms, leading to a temporary halt in progression.

4. **Evaluating Other Stages:**
- **Leptotene:** This is the stage where chromosomes begin to condense and are not yet paired.
- **Zygotene:** This is when synapsis begins, and homologous chromosomes start to align closely.
- **Pachytene:** This stage is marked by the completion of synapsis and the occurrence of crossing over.
- **Diakinesis:** This is the final stage of prophase I, where chromosomes are fully condensed and the nuclear membrane begins to break down.

5. **Conclusion:** The temporarily suspended stage of diplotene during meiosis I is the **dictotene stage**.

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