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Chiasma for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: kaɪ'æzmə

What does Chiasma really mean?

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Hey there! So, the word "chiasma" may sound a little intimidating at first, but it's actually not as complicated as it seems. It's like when you're putting together a jigsaw puzzle and two pieces come together and overlap, creating a sort of crossing or intersection. In the context of biology, a chiasma is a specific point where chromosomes cross over during the process of meiosis, which is how cells divide to create egg or sperm cells.

Picture it like this - think of the chromosomes as a pair of shoelaces, and the chiasma as the point where the laces cross over each other. This crossover helps to mix up the genetic material from the parent cells, leading to genetic diversity in the offspring. So, in a way, the chiasma is like a genetic mixing point where different traits from the parent cells come together to create something new.

In a more general sense, "chiasma" can also refer to any kind of crossing or intersection, not just in biology. For example, in literature, a chiasma can be a figure of speech where two phrases or ideas are presented in a balanced, crosswise manner. It's like when you say something and then flip it around to create a sort of parallel structure.

So, whether we're talking about chromosomes doing a genetic shuffle or words and ideas being balanced and flipped around, the chiasma is all about coming together and creating something new and interesting. Cool, right?

Revised and Fact checked by Robert Jones on 2023-11-14 00:03:36

Chiasma In a sentece

Learn how to use Chiasma inside a sentece

  • In biology, a chiasma is a point where two chromatids exchange genetic material during meiosis.
  • During a discussion, the chiasma in opinions helped the group come to a compromise.
  • The intersection formed a chiasma where the two roads met.
  • The artist created a beautiful chiasma of colors in their painting.
  • The novel explored the chiasma of past and present, blending the two timelines together.

Chiasma Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Chiasma Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

Chiasma Hyponyms

Words that are more specific than the original word.