bivalent /bi·va·lent/ (bi-va´lent)
bivalent
1. divalent.
2. the structure formed by a pair of homologous chromosomes by synapsis along their length during the zygotene and pachytene stages of the first meiotic prophase.
bi·va·lent (b -v  l nt)adj. 1. Having a valence of 2; divalent. 2. Consisting of a pair of homologous, synapsed chromosomes, as occurs during meiosis; double. n. A pair of homologous, synapsed chromosomes associated together during meiosis. bi·va lence, bi·valen·cy n. |
bivalent
[bīvā′lənt]
Etymology: L, bis + valere, to be powerful
1 See divalent. (in genetics) a pair of synapsed homologous chromosomes that are attached to each other by chiasmata during the early first meiotic prophase of gametogenesis. The structure serves as the basis for the tetrads from which gametes are produced during the two meiotic divisions.
2 See valence, def. 1. bivalence, n.
bivalent
1. having a valence of two.
2. denoting homologous chromosomes associated in pairs during the first meiotic prophase.
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