diplotene: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “diplotene” mean?
A stage in prophase I of meiosis during which paired homologous chromosomes begin to separate, revealing chiasmata.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A stage in prophase I of meiosis during which paired homologous chromosomes begin to separate, revealing chiasmata.
A cytogenetic term referring specifically to the fourth sub-stage of meiotic prophase I, characterized by the visible separation of sister chromatids and the crossing over of genetic material.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation differences follow standard phonetic variations between BrE and AmE.
Connotations
None beyond the strict scientific definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both variants, confined to advanced biology texts, research papers, and university-level instruction.
Grammar
How to Use “diplotene” in a Sentence
[The cell] enters diplotene.[The chromosomes] are visible at diplotene.Diplotene is marked by [the separation of homologs].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diplotene” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The diplotene configuration is distinct.
- Diplotene nuclei were isolated for study.
American English
- The diplotene configuration is distinct.
- Diplotene nuclei were isolated for study.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in advanced biology, genetics, and cytology textbooks, lectures, and research papers.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in technical descriptions of meiosis, laboratory reports on gametogenesis, and cytogenetic analyses.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diplotene”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “diplotene”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diplotene”
- Mispronouncing as /daɪˈploʊtiːn/ (like 'diplomat').
- Confusing it with 'diploid'.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a diplotene' is incorrect; it's an uncountable stage name).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Diplotene is exclusively a stage in prophase I of meiosis, the cell division process that creates gametes.
The key characteristic is the visible separation (repulsion) of paired homologous chromosomes, which remain connected at specific points called chiasmata.
Yes, it functions attributively as an adjective in technical contexts (e.g., 'diplotene stage', 'diplotene chromosomes'). It is not used as a standard descriptive adjective outside of biology.
Pachytene precedes diplotene. In pachytene, homologous chromosomes are fully synapsed (tightly paired). In diplotene, they begin to desynapse (pull apart), making the individual chromatids and the chiasmata more visible.
A stage in prophase I of meiosis during which paired homologous chromosomes begin to separate, revealing chiasmata.
Diplotene is usually technical/scientific in register.
Diplotene: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪplə(ʊ)tiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪpləˌtiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DIPLO' means double (like diploid) and 'TENE' comes from Latin for band or thread. At diplotene, the double-thread chromosomes are pulling apart.
Conceptual Metaphor
A stage in a carefully choreographed dance of chromosomes before they part ways.
Practice
Quiz
Diplotene is a substage of which larger cellular process?