noun
- plural of pachytene; the third stage of prophase I in meiosis, characterized by the pairing and thickening of homologous chromosomes
Usage: biology; genetics
Examples
- During pachytenes, crossing over occurs between homologous chromosomes.
- The microscope revealed cells in various stages, including several pachytenes.
- Pachytenes are easily identified by their thick, paired chromosomes.
- The biology student studied pachytenes as part of meiosis research.
- Genetic recombination is most active during pachytenes.
- The lab examined pachytenes from different plant species.