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Glite Dictionary
synapsis

synapsis

1 9.9
The pairing of matching chromosomes side by side during early cell division that makes eggs or sperm
  • noun
  • /sɪˈnæpsɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sinapsis
  • Researchers studied the process of synapsis to understand how genetic diversity is achieved in offspring.

Examples

  • Endurance and concentration are the key words here and the total utilization of our neural cranial synapsis is absolutely essential.

    The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)

  • Part of the synaptonemal complex, which is thought to mediate chromosome pairing, recombination, and synapsis.

    Academic text (2003)

  • During meiosis, the formation of the synapsis allows homologous chromosomes to line up side by side.

  • The genetic material is exchanged between chromosomes during synapsis in the early stages of meiosis.

Surface Forms

synapsis singular
synapses plural

Morphology

synapsis = apsis + syn (semi-transparent) = syn + apsis + syn

The prefix 'syn-' clearly means 'together', but the combining form 'apsis' is obscure to most learners and the term is technical.

Etymology

The word synapsis comes from Greek parts syn- meaning 'together' and haptein meaning 'to fasten' or 'to join'. So, think of synapsis as 'fastening together', the stage in a special cell division called meiosis when matching chromosomes line up side by side and pair so they can exchange genes.