Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
🧬 Paired chromosomes 🧬 Chromosome pair ⚛️ Two chemical bonds 🧫 Mixed gene marks
bivalent

bivalent

9.8
Paired matching chromosomes during meiosis
  • adjective
  • /ˈbaɪˌveɪlənt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : bivalente
  • During meiosis, homologous chromosomes become bivalent, allowing for genetic recombination.

Examples

  • The formation of bivalent pairs during meiosis enhances genetic diversity.

  • In meiosis, chromosomes that are bivalent ensure accurate segregation at cell division.

  • The vaccine, a sterile bivalent biological containing recombinant HBsAg and inactivated hepatitis A virus, provides safe and effective protection against both hepatitis A and B virus infections.

    Academic text (2008)

Antonyms

univalent
  • Specialized
9.8

A chromosome that does not pair with its matching chromosome during meiosis

Surface Forms

bivalent positive

Morphology

bivalent = valent (semi-transparent) = bi + valent

The component 'bi-' (two) plus the technical adjective 'valent' yields the idea of duality, but the specific biological sense (a paired chromosome structure) is domain-specific and not immediately obvious to general learners.

Etymology

Bivalent comes from bi- 'two' and valent 'strength' or 'power', so it means 'having two of something'. In biology, a bivalent describes two matching chromosomes that are joined together during meiosis.