Synapsis

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Synapsis is the currently unexplained phenomenon of two homologous chromosomes coming together and lining up side-by-side resulting in a bivalent (also known as a tetrad), or two homologous chromosomes that stay in close association during the first two phases of meiosis I (the stages being Prophase I and Metaphase I). As the two chromosomes synapse, they come closer together and when their chromatids intertwine, segments of chromatids (also known as genes) break apart and are exchanged, in a process known as a cross-over, an exchange of genetic material between two homologous chromosomes. "Crossing over" increases genetic variability.

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