univalent
- adjective
- /ˌjuːˈneɪvələnt/
- Specialized
- During meiosis, a univalent chromosome fails to pair with its homolog.
Examples
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The presence of a univalent can lead to errors in chromosome segregation.
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Researchers observed several univalent chromosomes in the mutant plants.
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The univalent chromosome is crucial during meiosis.
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During meiosis, a univalent chromosome does not pair.
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During meiosis, a univalent chromosome fails to pair with its homolog.
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Researchers observed several univalent chromosomes in the mutant plants.
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The presence of a univalent can lead to errors in chromosome segregation.
Antonyms
How Many Chromosomes
- Specialized
- Specialized
- Specialized
- Specialized
Surface Forms
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.