leptotene
/ˈlɛptəˌtin/
noun
- The first stage of meiosis in which chromosomes become visible as thin, threadlike structures.
- In leptotene, each chromosome is still single, not yet paired with its homologous partner.
- During leptotene, the chromosomes begin to condense and become visible under a microscope.
- The biology class studied the leptotene stage to understand how genetic material prepares for division.