Meiotic chromosome structure: relationship between the synaptonemal complex and the chromatid cores

Abstract

The development of silver-stained synaptonemal complexes (SCs) and of chromatid cores was analyzed in squashed and surface-spread grasshopper spermatocytes using light and electron microscopy, respectively. This study was conducted to determine the relationship of the two chromosome structures and then obtain more insight into the meiotic chromosome structure. Pachytene cells observed by light microscopy showed thin silver-stained threads, representing SCs, along the centre of the bivalents. However, fully formed SCs, and an axial element corresponding to the univalent sex chromosome, appeared when these cells were observed by electron microscopy. During early diplotene no silver-stained threads were observed by light microscopy. However, fragmentation of the SCs was apparent in cells at the same stage when observed by electron microscopy. Both light and electron microscopy showed that chromosome cores were first detected in homologues of late diplotene – early diakinesis cells. During diakinesis the cores were not continuous but were interrupted where interstitial chiasmata occur. In prometaphase I – metaphase I cells these cores appeared continuous and double, i.e., each chromatid clearly showed its own core. We propose a model whereby the associated cores of sister chromatids act as frameworks for the formation of the SC lateral elements.Key words: meiosis, chromosome structure, synaptonemal complex, chromatid core.