Final answer:
The Zip2 protein promotes the formation of the synaptonemal complex during prophase I of meiosis, which is essential for the pairing and recombination of homologous chromosomes.Hence, the correct answer is option D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of the Zip2 protein in homologous pairing is D) Promotes Synaptonemal Complex Formation. During prophase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up and align. This alignment is maintained by a variety of proteins and structures. The synaptonemal complex is a lattice-like structure that forms between and connects homologous chromosomes. The formation of the synaptonemal complex is critical for the process of synapsis, where homologous chromosomes come together and exchange genetic material through crossover events. These events contribute to genetic diversity. Proteins like Zip2 are essential for the assembly of the synaptonemal complex and therefore play a critical role in the process of homologous pairing.