noun
- The first stage of prophase I in meiosis, during which chromosomes begin to condense and become visible under a microscope.
Usage: biology; genetics; technical
Examples
- During leptotene, the chromosomes start to condense into thin, thread-like structures.
- In the leptotene stage, homologous chromosomes have not yet paired with each other.
- Biologists observe leptotene under high magnification to study early meiotic events.
- The transition from leptotene to zygotene marks the beginning of chromosome pairing.
- Leptotene is characterized by the appearance of thin, elongated chromosomal threads in the nucleus.