During which phase of meiosis does synapsis occur?

Synapsis occurs during Prophase I of meiosis, which is a crucial process in the formation of gametes. During synapsis, homologous chromosomes, each consisting of two sister chromatids, come together and align closely along their lengths. This pairing allows for the exchange of genetic material between chromatids through a process called crossover or recombination.

The significance of synapsis lies in its role in increasing genetic diversity. By allowing homologous chromosomes to exchange segments of DNA, synapsis contributes to the shuffling of genetic information, which is essential for evolution and adaptation in populations. This process is vital for ensuring that the resulting gametes contain a unique combination of genes, promoting variability in the offspring.

Understanding the phases of meiosis is important; while other provided options refer to different stages where specific activities take place, none involve the crucial homologous pairing that defines synapsis.