noun
- pairs of homologous chromosomes that come together during meiosis
Usage: biology; genetics
Examples
- During prophase I, homologous chromosomes pair up to form bivalents.
- The formation of bivalents is essential for proper genetic recombination.
- Scientists observed twenty-three bivalents in the human cell during meiosis.
- Crossing over occurs between the chromatids of bivalents.
- The microscope revealed clearly defined bivalents in the dividing cell.
- Abnormal bivalent formation can lead to genetic disorders.