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univalent

univalent

9.8
A chromosome that does not pair with its matching chromosome during meiosis
  • adjective
  • /ˌjuːˈneɪvələnt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : univalente
  • During meiosis, a univalent chromosome fails to pair with its homolog.

Examples

  • The presence of a univalent can lead to errors in chromosome segregation.

  • Researchers observed several univalent chromosomes in the mutant plants.

  • The univalent chromosome is crucial during meiosis.

  • During meiosis, a univalent chromosome does not pair.

  • During meiosis, a univalent chromosome fails to pair with its homolog.

  • Researchers observed several univalent chromosomes in the mutant plants.

  • The presence of a univalent can lead to errors in chromosome segregation.

Antonyms

bivalent
  • Specialized
9.8

Paired matching chromosomes during meiosis

How Many Chromosomes

multivalent
  • Specialized
9.9
trivalent
  • Specialized
1 8.6
bivalent
  • Specialized
9.9
univalent
  • Specialized
9.8

Surface Forms

univalent positive

Morphology

univalent = valence (opaque) = uni + valent

The cytogenetic sense ('an unpaired chromosome') is a specialized technical usage not directly predictable by a B1 learner from 'uni-' + 'valence'.

Etymology

Univalent comes from uni- 'one' and valent 'power', so it gives the picture of a single thing standing alone. That's why a univalent chromosome is one that stands alone and does not pair with its match during meiosis.