BIVALENT CHROMOSOME Meaning and
Definition
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A bivalent chromosome is a structure that forms during the process of meiosis, a type of cell division that results in the formation of haploid cells, such as sperm and egg cells. A bivalent chromosome is characterized by the pairing of two homologous chromosomes, meaning they have similar genetic content and genes arranged in the same order. This pairing occurs during the prophase I stage of meiosis, specifically during a process called synapsis.
During synapsis, the homologous chromosomes come together and align side by side, forming a structure called a bivalent or a tetrad. The bivalent chromosome consists of four chromatids, with each homologous chromosome consisting of two sister chromatids joined by a centromere. This structure allows for the exchange of genetic material between the homologous chromosomes, a process known as genetic recombination or crossing over.
The formation of bivalent chromosomes and the process of genetic recombination are vital for creating genetic diversity within a species. By shuffling genetic information between chromosomes, new combinations of genes are produced, leading to offspring with unique traits and characteristics.
Once the bivalent chromosome formation is complete, the homologous chromosomes separate during meiosis I, resulting in two daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the original cell. These daughter cells then undergo meiosis II to produce four haploid cells, each containing one set of chromosomes.
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A pair of chromosomes (paternal and maternal) temporarily united.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BIVALENT CHROMOSOME
- vivalent chromosome
- nivalent chromosome
- hivalent chromosome
- givalent chromosome
- buvalent chromosome
- bjvalent chromosome
- bkvalent chromosome
- bovalent chromosome
- b9valent chromosome
- b8valent chromosome
- bicalent chromosome
- bibalent chromosome
- bigalent chromosome
- bifalent chromosome
- bivzlent chromosome
- bivslent chromosome
- bivwlent chromosome
- bivqlent chromosome
- bivakent chromosome
- bivapent chromosome
Etymology of BIVALENT CHROMOSOME
The word "bivalent" in "bivalent chromosome" comes from the Latin prefix "bi-" meaning "two" and the Latin word "valentia" meaning "strength" or "power". In genetics and biology, a bivalent chromosome refers to a paired set of homologous chromosomes that come together during meiosis. The term "bivalent" highlights the pairing of two chromosomes and their associated strength or power during the process of cellular division.
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