Bivalent
Bivalent
Bivalent (pronunciation: /ˈbaɪvələnt/), also known as a tetrad, is a term used in genetics to describe a pair of homologous chromosomes that are paired together during meiosis. The term originates from the Latin words "bi-", meaning two, and "valent", meaning strength.
Etymology
The term "bivalent" comes from the Latin "bi-", meaning "two", and "valent", meaning "strength". This refers to the pairing of two homologous chromosomes during meiosis.
Definition
In genetics, a bivalent is a pair of homologous chromosomes that are held together by chiasmata during the first meiotic division. Each bivalent consists of four chromatids, hence it is also referred to as a tetrad.
Related Terms
- Chromatid: One of two identical halves of a replicated chromosome.
- Chromosome: A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
- Homologous Chromosomes: Chromosomes that are similar in shape and size and carry the same type of genetic information.
- Meiosis: A type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell, as in the production of gametes and plant spores.
- Chiasmata: The point where two homologous chromosomes remain in contact during the first meiotic division, and at which crossing over and exchange of genetic material occur.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bivalent
- Wikipedia's article - Bivalent
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