Definition

1. Noun:
   • The fourth stage of the prophase of meiosis: Diplotene is a specific phase in cell division (meiosis I) where homologous chromosomes, which were previously tightly paired (synapsed), begin to separate but remain connected at points called chiasmata.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • During diplotene, the homologous chromosomes start to repel each other.
  • The formation of chiasmata is a key feature of the diplotene stage.
  • Scientists observed the cell as it entered diplotene.

Advanced Usage

• "Diplotene stage": A common collocation specifying the phase.
  • Crossing-over is completed before the diplotene stage.
• "Diplotene arrest": A pause or halt in the progression of meiosis at this stage, which can occur in some oocytes.
  • In many species, oocytes remain in diplotene arrest for an extended period.

Variants and Related Words

• Diplotenic (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of the diplotene stage.
  • The diplotenic configuration is clearly visible under the microscope.

Synonyms

• Fourth stage of meiotic prophase I: A descriptive synonym.
• Diplonema: An alternative, less common term for the same stage.

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Prophase I: The larger phase of meiosis I that includes diplotene.
• Chiasmata (singular: chiasma): The X-shaped points of contact between homologous chromosomes visible during diplotene.
• Leptotene, Zygotene, Pachytene: The three preceding stages of meiotic prophase I.
• Diakinesis: The stage following diplotene in prophase I.

Noun

1. the fourth stage of the prophase of meiosis