noun
- the third stage of meiotic prophase I in which homologous chromosomes are fully paired and crossing over occurs
Usage: biology
Examples
- During pachytene, the chromosomes become shorter and thicker.
- Crossing over between homologous chromosomes is most active in pachytene.
- The pachytene stage is crucial for genetic recombination.
- Scientists observed the paired chromosomes under a microscope during pachytene.
- Pachytene follows the zygotene stage in meiotic division.
- The duration of pachytene varies among different species.