Which stage of meiotic prophase shows terminalisation of chiasmata as its distinctive feature?

The question asks which stage of meiosis I prophase is characterized by the terminalisation of chiasmata. The correct answer, as given in the data, is Diakinesis.

Meiotic prophase I is subdivided into five sequential stages:

1. Leptotene – chromosomes begin to condense into thin threads; DNA replication has already occurred, and each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids.

2. Zygotene – homologous chromosomes start to pair (synapsis) through the formation of the synaptonemal complex.

3. Pachytene – full synapsis is completed; crossing‑over (exchange of genetic material) occurs, creating chiasmata that hold homologues together.

4. Diplotene – the synaptonemal complex disassembles; homologues begin to separate but remain attached at sites of crossing‑over (the chiasmata).

5. Diakinesis – chromosomes reach maximal condensation; the chiasmata migrate toward the ends of the chromosomes, a process known as terminalisation. This repositioning makes the chiasmata appear at the terminal regions, preparing the chromosomes for the subsequent segregation in metaphase I.

Thus, the distinctive feature of terminalisation of chiasmata occurs specifically during the Diakinesis stage of meiotic prophase I.