During meiosis, pairs of homologous chromosomes often twist around each other and remain in contact during the process of separation. The point at which paired chromosomes remain in contact is known as a chiasma, because it has a cross-shaped...

A chiasma (Greek χίασμα, related to the Greek letter Χ) means "crossing." In anatomy, it refers to the point where two (or more) nerves or ligaments cross or intersect. In genetics, it is a technical term for the point where two chromatids are...