Multiple choice The third stage of the prophase-I of meiosis is: pachytene diplotene zygotene leptotene Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself A Correct answer Explanation Prophase I of meiosis has five stages in order: Leptotene (1st), Zygotene (2nd), Pachytene (3rd), Diplotene (4th), and Diakinesis (5th). Pachytene is characterized by crossing over between homologous chromosomes and complete synapsis.