Which process involves homologous chromosomes lining up side by side?

Which process involves homologous chromosomes lining up side by side?

• A. Synapsis
• B. Cytokinesis
• C. Telophase
• D. Metaphase II

Answer: (A)

The key idea is the pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis. This happens in prophase I when homologs come together and line up side by side in a process called synapsis. During synapsis, the homologous chromosomes pair tightly along their lengths, forming a tetrad and enabling crossing over between non-sister chromatids. This careful pairing is different from cytokinesis (the division of the cytoplasm), telophase (when chromosomes arrive at the poles and de-condense), and metaphase II (where sister chromatids, not homologous pairs, align in the second division). So, the process described—homologous chromosomes lining up side by side—is synapsis.

The key idea is the pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis. This happens in prophase I when homologs come together and line up side by side in a process called synapsis. During synapsis, the homologous chromosomes pair tightly along their lengths, forming a tetrad and enabling crossing over between non-sister chromatids. This careful pairing is different from cytokinesis (the division of the cytoplasm), telophase (when chromosomes arrive at the poles and de-condense), and metaphase II (where sister chromatids, not homologous pairs, align in the second division). So, the process described—homologous chromosomes lining up side by side—is synapsis.