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Glite Dictionary
pachytene

pachytene

1 9.9
A stage in cell division that makes sperm or eggs when matching chromosomes pair and swap parts
  • noun
  • /ˈpækɪˌtiːn/
  • Specialized
: pachitena
  • Crossing-over between chromatids takes place during the pachytene stage of meiosis.

Examples

  • During pachytene, chromosomes are fully paired.

  • Errors during pachytene can lead to genetic abnormalities in gametes.

  • Scientists observed that homologous chromosomes are most closely aligned in pachytene.

  • The pachytene stage is crucial for genetic diversity.

  • Crossing-over occurs between homologous chromosomes during the pachytene stage of meiosis.

  • In the pachytene stage, the chromosomes are fully paired, allowing for genetic recombination.

  • Genetic abnormalities may arise from errors that happen during pachytene in meiosis.

Surface Forms

pachytene singular
pachytenes plural

Morphology

pachytene = pachy + tene

This is a highly specialized scientific term built from classical combining forms, and knowing the parts would not normally allow a learner to infer the exact meiotic stage.

Etymology

Pachytene comes from Greek parts pachy- meaning 'thick' and -tene from a word for 'ribbon' or 'band'. So think 'thick ribbon' — a helpful image because in this stage the chromosomes are thick, closely paired, and can swap parts in crossing-over.