The document discusses Lampbrush chromosomes, which were first observed in salamander oocytes in 1882. Lampbrush chromosomes occur during prolonged diplotene stage of meiosis in oocytes of many animal species. They have an elongated structure with loops projecting from the chromosome axis, and each loop performs intense transcription of hnRNA and mRNA. This transcription allows oocytes to build up RNA and proteins required for future embryonic development.