Genetic recombination occurs during

Options

A. Zygotene
B. Diplotene
C. Pachytene
D. Metaphase-I

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Genetic Recombination**: Genetic recombination is a process that results in the production of offspring with combinations of traits that differ from those found in either parent. This process is crucial for genetic diversity.

2. **Identifying the Stages of Meiosis**: Meiosis consists of several stages, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, which are further divided into sub-stages. The relevant sub-stages in this context are zygotene, pachytene, diplotene, and metaphase I.

3. **Analyzing Each Option**:
- **Zygotene**: This is the stage where homologous chromosomes begin to pair up, but recombination has not yet occurred.
- **Pachytene**: This is the stage where homologous chromosomes are fully paired and form tetrads. It is during this stage that crossing over occurs, leading to genetic recombination.
- **Diplotene**: In this stage, the homologous chromosomes begin to separate but remain connected at the chiasmata where crossing over occurred.
- **Metaphase I**: This is the stage where the tetrads line up at the metaphase plate, but recombination has already taken place in the previous stage.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the stage where genetic recombination occurs is during **pachytene**.

5. **Final Answer**: Genetic recombination occurs during **pachytene**.

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