Chiasmata are formed during

Options

A. Diakinesis
B. Synaptotene
C. Diplotene
D. Leptotene

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Chiasmata**: Chiasmata are the points where two homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material during meiosis. This process is crucial for genetic diversity.

2. **Identifying the Stages of Meiosis**: Meiosis consists of several stages, including leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene, and diakinesis. Each stage has specific events that occur.

3. **Analyzing Each Stage**:
- **Leptotene**: This is the first stage of prophase I where chromosomes begin to condense but do not yet form chiasmata.
- **Zygotene**: Homologous chromosomes begin to pair up, but chiasmata are not formed yet.
- **Pachytene**: This is where crossing over occurs, but the chiasmata are not yet visible.
- **Diplotene**: At this stage, the homologous chromosomes start to separate but remain connected at the chiasmata. This is the stage where chiasmata are actually formed.
- **Diakinesis**: This is the final stage of prophase I where the chromosomes condense further, and the chiasmata are resolved before the cell moves into metaphase.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, chiasmata are formed during the **diplotene** stage of meiosis.

### Final Answer:
Chiasmata are formed during the **diplotene** stage of meiosis.

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