Chiasma (genetics)

In genetics, a chiasma (pl. chiasmata) is the point where two homologous non-sister chromatids exchange genetic material during chromosomal crossover in meiosis (sister chromatids also form chiasmata between each other (also known as a chi structure), but because their genetic material is identical, it does not cause any noticeable change in the resulting daughter cells). The chiasmata become visible during the diplotene stage of prophase I of meiosis, but the actual "crossing-over" of genetic material is thought to occur during the previous pachytene stage. When each tetrad, which is composed of two pairs of sister chromatids, begins to split, the only points of contact are at the chiasmata.