Synaptonemal complex formation in male scorpions exhibiting achiasmate meiosis and structural heterozygosity

Abstract

Synaptonemal complex (SC) formation was studied in testicular material from individuals of a number of species from two families of Australian scorpions; Buthidae and Scorpionidae. These scorpions exhibit unusual cytogenetic features including achiasmate male meiosis, interchange heterozygosity, and centromeric fusion–fission and inversion heterozygosity. The synaptic behaviour of chromosomes involved in these rearrangements was studied from zygotene to metaphase I, using both meiotic chromosome preparations and techniques for examination of the SCs. Multivalent associations present during the achiasmate meiosis of both buthid and scorpionid scorpions are retained from prophase to metaphase I, unlike those present in polyploid achiasmate Bombyx females. Further evidence suggests that synaptic adjustment does not occur generally in achiasmate scorpionid inversion heterozygotes. However, for some inversions, pairing is seen to become more heterosynaptic from late prophase to metaphase I and this may be related to the pairing maintenance system during achiasmate meiosis in these specialized organisms.Key words: synaptonemal complex, achiasmate meiosis, heterozygosity, interchange, inversion.