bivalent (redirected from bivalents)

bivalent /bi·va·lent/ (bi-va´lent)

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.

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bi·va·lent (b-vlnt)

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.

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bi·valence, bi·valen·cy n.

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bivalent

1. having a valence of two.

2. denoting homologous chromosomes associated in pairs during the first meiotic prophase.