Answer in detail.
With the help of suitable diagrams, explain the five stages of prophase-I of meiosis.
Answer:
Meiosis is a cell division which takes place in germ cells during sexual reproduction. It is completed in stages Meiosis- I and Meiosis-II.
5 phases of prophase –I of meiosis given below:
1: The duplicated sister chromatids start to condense.
2. The homologous chromosomes (pair of chromosome having same set of genes) come close to each other and begins to form a paired homologous chromosome. Four chromatids, with one chromosome coming from each parent. Each pair of homologous chromosomes is known as a bivalent (Tetrad).
3. The paired chromosomes are held together tightly. Crossing over (exchange of chromosome segment between non-sister chromatids) between homologous chromosomes occurs. This results into genetic recombination.
4. The homologous chromosomes begin to separate.
5. The chromosomes continue to condense further and the nuclear membrane breaks.