Given below are two statements:

Statement I : Chromosomes become gradually visible under light microscope during leptotene stage.

Statement II : The beginning of diplotene stage is recognized by dissolution of synaptonemal complex.

In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct option is Both Statement I and Statement II are true.

Let us analyze each statement step-by-step based on the stages of prophase I of meiosis I:

1. Statement I: Chromosomes become gradually visible under light microscope during leptotene stage.
Leptotene is the first sub-stage of prophase I in meiosis. During this stage, the chromatin fibers begin to condense. Because of this condensation process, the chromosomes gradually become distinct and visible under a light microscope. Thus, Statement I is true.

2. Statement II: The beginning of diplotene stage is recognized by dissolution of synaptonemal complex.
Diplotene is the fourth sub-stage of prophase I. The transition into diplotene is characterized by the dissolution of the synaptonemal complex, which was formed during zygotene and maintained through pachytene. As a result, the homologous chromosomes start to separate from each other, except at the sites of crossovers (chiasmata). Thus, Statement II is also true.

Since both Statement I and Statement II are correct, the correct choice is that both statements are true.