Definition

1. Noun:
   • The final stage of the prophase of meiosis: In cell biology, diakinesis is the last substage of prophase I in meiosis, characterized by the maximum condensation of chromosomes, the terminalization of chiasmata, and the disintegration of the nucleolus and nuclear envelope.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • During diakinesis, the homologous chromosomes are fully condensed and prepared for separation.
  • The transition from diakinesis to metaphase I marks the end of the prolonged prophase of meiosis.

Advanced Usage

• "To enter diakinesis": to reach or begin the diakinesis stage.
  • The cell enters diakinesis after the completion of pachytene and diplotene.
• "Diakinesis configuration": refers to the specific arrangement and appearance of chromosomes during this stage.
  • The diakinesis configuration clearly shows the bivalents held together by chiasmata.

Variants and Related Words

• Diakinetic (adj): Pertaining to or occurring during diakinesis.
  • The diakinetic chromosomes are highly compacted.

Synonyms

• Final prophase I stage: A descriptive synonym specifying its position in meiosis.
• Terminal prophase: Less common, but indicates it is the concluding part of prophase.

Related Terms (Context-Specific)

• Meiosis: The type of cell division where diakinesis occurs.
• Prophase I: The larger phase containing diakinesis.
• Chiasmata: The points of contact between homologous chromosomes that are terminalizing during diakinesis.
• Condensation: The process of chromosomes becoming tightly packed, which is completed in diakinesis.

Noun

1. the final stage of the prophase of meiosis