The orientation of multivalents at meiotic metaphase I: a workshop report

Abstract

During a workshop with 13 participants, several aspects of multivalent orientation at meiotic (pro)metaphase were discussed in an attempt to resolve some of the most prominent controversies with respect to terminology, interpretation of observations, and the validity of hypotheses and theories. For several terms and concepts, descriptive definitions were formulated that are recommended for general use. In the analysis of the behaviour of the multivalent in meiosis preprometaphase shape and position as important factors in final orientation were discussed, as well as the first contact between spindle and kinetochores and the role of reorientation. Specific characteristics of different multivalents and expected frequencies of different orientation types were considered. Finally, a few remarks on data collection and analytical procedures were made Key words: meiosis, multivalents, orientation, workshop.