leptotene
/ˈlɛptə(ʊ)tiːn
/noun [mass noun] Biology
The first stage of the prophase of meiosis, during which each chromosome becomes visible as two fine threads (chromatids).Early recombination nodules are protein complexes 100 nm in diameter that are associated with forming synaptonemal complexes during leptotene and zygotene of meiosis....
- Early meiotic stages, leptotene or zygotene, were observed.
- The bouquet forms at late leptotene and early zygotene and is coincident with chromosome pairing.
Origin
Early 20th century: from lepto- 'narrow, fine' + Greek tainia 'band, ribbon'.