The point-for-point pairing of homologous chromosomes during the prophase of meiosis. SYN: synaptic phase. [G. a connection, junction]
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syn·ap·sis sə-'nap-səs n, pl -ap·ses -.sēz the association of homologous chromosomes with chiasma formation that is characteristic of the first meiotic prophase and is held to be the mechanism for genetic crossing-over
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syn·ap·sis (sĭ-napґsis) [Gr. “conjunctionâ€] the intimate association of homologous chromosomes, mediated by the synaptonemal complex, that occurs during the zygotene stage of meiosis I. [TA] official terminology for synapse.Medical dictionary. 2011.