What term describes the aligning of homologous chromosomes during meiosis?

The term that describes the aligning of homologous chromosomes during meiosis is synapsis. During prophase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes, which are pairs of chromosomes containing the same genes but possibly different alleles, come together and closely align along their lengths. This process is crucial as it allows for the exchange of genetic material between the chromosomes through crossing over, which enhances genetic diversity.

Synapsis is a specific and critical step in the formation of tetrads, where homologous chromosomes are paired up, setting the stage for subsequent events in meiosis, such as crossing over and the eventual segregation of chromosomes into gametes. This alignment is integral to ensuring that each gamete receives the correct number of chromosomes and that genetic information is properly shuffled for increased variation in offspring.