Dictyotene is

Options

A. Movement of dictyosomes
B. Movement of chromosomes as in synapsis
C. Prolonged diplotene stage in oocytes
D. None of the above

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Dictyotene**:
- Dictyotene is a term used to describe a specific stage in the process of oocyte development during meiosis.

2. **Context of Meiosis**:
- Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half and is essential for sexual reproduction. It consists of two successive divisions: meiosis I and meiosis II.

3. **Location in Meiosis**:
- Dictyotene occurs during the prophase stage of meiosis, specifically within the diplotene stage. Prophase is the first stage of meiosis, and it is divided into several sub-stages: leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene, and diakinesis.

4. **Characteristics of the Diplotene Stage**:
- During the diplotene stage, the homologous chromosomes that have undergone crossing over become visible. This stage is characterized by the chromosomes becoming thicker and more condensed.

5. **Prolonged Resting Phase**:
- Dictyotene is noted for being a prolonged resting phase in oocytes. In many species, this stage can last for months or even years, particularly in long-lived species.

6. **Implications for Oocyte Development**:
- The primary oocytes remain in the dictyotene stage until the female reaches puberty. Each month, a few primary oocytes will resume meiosis, completing the first meiotic division to produce a secondary oocyte and a polar body.

7. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question "Dictyotene is" is: **prolonged diplotene stage in oocytes**.