Using a Model to Teach Crossing Over

2017 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 305-308
Author(s):  
Feride Keskin ◽  
Aylin Çam
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Crossing Over ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
Meiosis I

The purpose of this activity is to model the formation of homologous chromosomes and the crossing over realized in meiosis I cell division. The model established through the activities conducted will allow students to visualize homologous chromosomes and the formation of crossing over among them. The model will help students to understand how homologous chromosomes occur and how crossing over is realized between homologous chromosomes whose chromatids are not sisters. The developed model is found to be an effective tool in teaching crossing over.

scholarly journals Paired arrangement of kinetochores together with microtubule pivoting and dynamics drive kinetochore capture in meiosis I

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gheorghe Cojoc ◽  
Ana-Maria Florescu ◽  
Alexander Krull ◽  
Anna H. Klemm ◽  
Nenad Pavin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Fission Yeast ◽  
General Feature ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Spindle Pole ◽  
Single Object ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
Angular Movement ◽  
Spindle Microtubules ◽  
Meiosis I

Abstract Kinetochores are protein complexes on the chromosomes, whose function as linkers between spindle microtubules and chromosomes is crucial for proper cell division. The mechanisms that facilitate kinetochore capture by microtubules are still unclear. In the present study, we combine experiments and theory to explore the mechanisms of kinetochore capture at the onset of meiosis I in fission yeast. We show that kinetochores on homologous chromosomes move together, microtubules are dynamic and pivot around the spindle pole, and the average capture time is 3–4 minutes. Our theory describes paired kinetochores on homologous chromosomes as a single object, as well as angular movement of microtubules and their dynamics. For the experimentally measured parameters, the model reproduces the measured capture kinetics and shows that the paired configuration of kinetochores accelerates capture, whereas microtubule pivoting and dynamics have a smaller contribution. Kinetochore pairing may be a general feature that increases capture efficiency in meiotic cells.

scholarly journals Regulation of the meiotic divisions of mammalian oocytes and eggs

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 797-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica R. Sanders ◽  
Keith T. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Luteinizing Hormone ◽  
Spindle Assembly Checkpoint ◽  
Asymmetric Cell Division ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
Mammalian Oocyte ◽  
Cellular Events ◽  
The Hours ◽  
Meiosis I

Initiated by luteinizing hormone and finalized by the fertilizing sperm, the mammalian oocyte completes its two meiotic divisions. The first division occurs in the mature Graafian follicle during the hours preceding ovulation and culminates in an extreme asymmetric cell division and the segregation of the two pairs of homologous chromosomes. The newly created mature egg rearrests at metaphase of the second meiotic division prior to ovulation and only completes meiosis following a Ca2+ signal initiated by the sperm at gamete fusion. Here, we review the cellular events that govern the passage of the oocyte through meiosis I with a focus on the role of the spindle assembly checkpoint in regulating its timing. In meiosis II, we examine how the egg achieves its arrest and how the fertilization Ca2+ signal allows the initiation of embryo development.

Effects of Homology, Size and Exchange on the Meiotic Segregation of Model Chromosomes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Genetics ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 142 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyle O Ross ◽  
Susannah Rankin ◽  
Michèle F Shuster ◽  
Dean S Dawson
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Crossing Over ◽  
Chromosome Size ◽  
Meiotic Segregation ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
Reciprocal Recombination ◽  
Eukaryotic Organisms ◽  
Meiosis I

In most eukaryotic organisms, chiasmata, the connections formed between homologous chromosomes as a consequence of crossing over, are important for ensuring that the homologues move away from each other at meiosis I. Some organisms have the capacity to partition the rare homologues that have failed to experience reciprocal recombination. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is able to correctly partition achiasmate homologues with low fidelity by a mechanism that is largely unknown. It is possible to test which parameters affect the ability of achiasmate chromosomes to segregate by constructing strains that will have three achiasmate chromosomes at the time of meiosis. The meiotic partitioning of these chromosomes can be monitored to determine which ones segregate away from each other at meiosis I. This approach was used to test the influence of homologous yeast DNA sequences, recombination intiation sites, chromosome size and crossing over on the meiotic segregation of the model chromosomes. Chrome some size had no effect on achiasmate segregation. The influence of homologous yeast sequences on the segregation of noncrossover model chromosomes was negligible. In meioses in which two of the three model chromosomes experienced a crossover, they nearly always disjoined at meiosis I.

scholarly journals The rec102 mutant of yeast is defective in meiotic recombination and chromosome synapsis.

Genetics ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 130 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-69
Author(s):  
J Bhargava ◽  
J Engebrecht ◽  
G S Roeder
Keyword(s):  
Synaptonemal Complex ◽  
Chromosome Segregation ◽  
Meiotic Recombination ◽  
Meiotic Chromosome ◽  
Crossing Over ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
Chromosome Synapsis ◽  
Recombination Pathway ◽  
Yeast Mutants ◽  
Meiosis I

Abstract A mutation at the REC102 locus was identified in a screen for yeast mutants that produce inviable spores. rec102 spore lethality is rescued by a spo13 mutation, which causes cells to bypass the meiosis I division. The rec102 mutation completely eliminates meiotically induced gene conversion and crossing over but has no effect on mitotic recombination frequencies. Cytological studies indicate that the rec102 mutant makes axial elements (precursors to the synaptonemal complex), but homologous chromosomes fail to synapse. In addition, meiotic chromosome segregation is significantly delayed in rec102 strains. Studies of double and triple mutants indicate that the REC102 protein acts before the RAD52 gene product in the meiotic recombination pathway. The REC102 gene was cloned based on complementation of the mutant defect and the gene was mapped to chromosome XII between CDC25 and STE11.

Synaptonemal complexes in the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus

1978 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 212-213
Author(s):  
Annelise Fiil
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Membrane ◽  
Culex Quinquefasciatus ◽  
Meiotic Prophase ◽  
Crossing Over ◽  
Serial Sections ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
Synaptonemal Complexes ◽  
Meiosis I

The presence of synaptonemal complexes between the paired homologous chromosomes at meiotic prophase is a prerequisite for meiotic crossing over, and it may be important for the regular disjunctions of the chromosomes at meiosis I (Moses, 1968; Westergaard and von Wettstein, 1972; Gillies, 1975). Reconstructions of nuclei during zygotene and pachytene have shown that the ends of the synaptonemal complexes in many organisms are attached to the nuclear membrane, often in a polarized fashion (Moens, 1969; Rasmussen, 1976); such a bouquet arrangement of the chromosomes is found in Culex.Materials and MethodsOvaries from Culex quinquefasciatus were fixed in glutaraldehyde, followed by 0s04, and embedded in Epon. The synaptonemal complexes were reconstructed from serial sections.Results and DiscussionCulex has 3 pairs of very long metacentric or slightly submetacentric chromosomes which during pachytene loop around the nucleus several times (Fig. 1). The centromeric regions are fused, and the synaptonemal complexes do not continue through the structure.

scholarly journals Heterochromatin Interactions Maintain Homologous Centromere Associations in Mouse Spermatocyte Meiosis

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hoa H. Chuong ◽  
Craig Eyster ◽  
Chih-Ying Lee ◽  
Roberto J. Pezza ◽  
Dean Dawson
Keyword(s):  
Meiotic Prophase ◽  
Meiotic Spindle ◽  
Centromeric Heterochromatin ◽  
Crossing Over ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
Meiosis I

SummaryIn meiosis, crossovers between homologous chromosomes link them together. This enables them to attach to microtubules of the meiotic spindle as a unit, such that the homologs will be pulled away from one another at anaphase I. Homologous pairs can sometimes fail to become linked by crossovers. In some organisms, these non-exchange partners are still able segregate properly. In several organisms, associations between the centromeres of non-exchange partners occur in meiotic prophase. These associations have been proposed to promote segregation in meiosis I. But how centromere pairing could promote subsequent proper segregation is unclear. Here we report that meiotic centromere pairing if chromosomes in mouse spermatocytes allows the formation of an association between chromosome pairs. We find that peri-centromeric heterochromatin connections tether the centromeres of chromosome pairs after dissolution of centromere paring. Our results suggest that, in mouse spermatocytes, heterochromatin maintains the association of chromosome centromeres in the absence crossing-over.

scholarly journals Recombination Can Partially Substitute for SPO13 in Regulating Meiosis I in Budding Yeast

Genetics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 155 (4) ◽  
pp. 1607-1621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Henninger Rutkowski ◽  
Rochelle Easton Esposito
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Nuclear Division ◽  
Crossing Over ◽  
Wild Type Allele ◽  
Null Mutant ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
Chromosome Synapsis ◽  
Reductional Division ◽  
Meiosis I

Abstract Recombination and chromosome synapsis bring homologous chromosomes together, creating chiasmata that ensure accurate disjunction during reductional division. SPO13 is a key gene required for meiosis I (MI) reductional segregation, but dispensable for recombination, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Absence of SPO13 leads to single-division meiosis where reductional segregation is largely eliminated, but other meiotic events occur relatively normally. This phenotype allows haploids to produce viable meiotic products. Spo13p is thought to act by delaying nuclear division until sister centromeres/chromatids undergo proper cohesion for segregation to the same pole at MI. In the present study, a search for new spo13-like mutations that allow haploid meiosis recovered only new spo13 alleles. Unexpectedly, an unusual reduced-expression allele (spo13-23) was recovered that behaves similarly to a null mutant in haploids but to a wild-type allele in diploids, dependent on the presence of recombining homologs rather than on a diploid genome. This finding demonstrates that in addition to promoting accurate homolog disjunction, recombination can also function to partially substitute for SPO13 in promoting sister cohesion. Analysis of various recombination-defective mutants indicates that this contribution of recombination to reductional segregation requires full levels of crossing over. The implications of these results regarding SPO13 function are discussed.

Effect of the Pairing Gene Ph1 and Premeiotic Colchicine Treatment on Intra- and Interchromosome Pairing of Isochromosomes in Common Wheat

Genetics ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 150 (3) ◽  
pp. 1199-1208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan M Vega ◽  
Moshe Feldman
Keyword(s):  
Common Wheat ◽  
Homologous Chromosome ◽  
Colchicine Treatment ◽  
Crossing Over ◽  
Meiotic Pairing ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
Polyploid Wheat ◽  
Main Gene ◽  
Ph1 Gene

Abstract The analysis of the pattern of isochromosome pairing allows one to distinguish factors affecting presynaptic alignment of homologous chromosomes from those affecting synapsis and crossing-over. Because the two homologous arms in an isochromosome are invariably associated by a common centromere, the suppression of pairing between these arms (intrachromosome pairing) would indicate that synaptic or postsynaptic events were impaired. In contrast, the suppression of pairing between an isochromosome and its homologous chromosome (interchromosome pairing), without affecting intrachromosome pairing, would suggest that homologous presynaptic alignment was impaired. We used such an isochromosome system to determine which of the processes associated with chromosome pairing was affected by the Ph1 gene of common wheat—the main gene that restricts pairing to homologues. Ph1 reduced the frequency of interchromosome pairing without affecting intrachromosome pairing. In contrast, intrachromosome pairing was strongly reduced in the absence of the synaptic gene Syn-B1. Premeiotic colchicine treatment, which drastically decreased pairing of conventional chromosomes, reduced interchromosome but not intrachromosome pairing. The results support the hypothesis that premeiotic alignment is a necessary stage for the regularity of meiotic pairing and that Ph1 relaxes this alignment. We suggest that Ph1 acts on premeiotic alignment of homologues and homeologues as a means of ensuring diploid-like meiotic behavior in polyploid wheat.

MEIOSIS IN THE GRASSHOPPER. II. THE PRELEPTOTENE SPIRAL STAGE DURING OOGENESIS AND SPERMATOGENESIS IN MELANOPLUS FEMUR-RUBRUM

1972 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 397-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Church
Keyword(s):  
Dna Synthesis ◽  
Crossing Over ◽  
Chromosome Behaviour ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
Diploid Complement

Chromosome behaviour occurring from premeiotic DNA synthesis to leptotene of meiosis is described for both males (spermatogenesis) and females (oogenesis) in the grasshopper Melanoplus femur-rubrum. These events include a period of chromosome spiralization and contraction following premeiotic DNA synthesis and prior to leptotene. The diploid complement of chromosomes becomes visible in both sexes. No pairing between homologous chromosomes or chiasmata are observed in either sex. The results suggest that synapsis and crossing over must occur following preleptotene spiralization during spermatogenesis and oogenesis in this grasshopper.

scholarly journals The Arabidopsis HOP2 Gene Has a Role in Preventing illegitimate Exchanges between Nonhomologous Chromosomes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
YIsell Farahani-Tafreshi ◽  
Chun Wei ◽  
Peilu Gan ◽  
Jenya Daradur ◽  
C. Daniel Riggs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Active Role ◽  
Crossing Over ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Homologous Chromosomes ◽  
Chromosome Synapsis ◽  
Radiation Induced ◽  
Nonhomologous Chromosome ◽  
Chromosome Exchanges

Meiotic homologous chromosomes pair up and undergo crossing over. In many eukaryotes both intimate pairing and crossing over require the induction of double stranded breaks (DSBs) and subsequent repair via Homologous Recombination (HR). In these organisms, two key proteins are the recombinases RAD51 and DMC1. Recombinase-modulators HOP2 and MND1 have been identified as proteins that assist RAD51 and DMC1 and are needed to promote stabilized pairing. We have probed the nature of the genetic lesions seen in hop2 mutants and looked at the role of HOP2 in the fidelity of genetic exchanges. Using γH2AX as a marker for unrepaired DSBs we found that hop2-1 and mnd1 mutants have different appearance/disappearance for DSBs than wild type, but all DSBs are repaired by mid-late pachytene. Therefore, the bridges and fragments seen from metaphase I onward are due to mis-repaired DSBs, not unrepaired ones. Studying Arabidopsis haploid meiocytes we found that wild type haploids produced the expected five univalents, but hop2-1 haploids suffered many illegitimate exchanges that were stable enough to produce bridged chromosomes during segregation. Our results suggest that HOP2 has a significant active role in preventing nonhomologous associations. We also found evidence that HOP2 plays a role in preventing illegitimate exchanges during repair of radiation-induced DSBs in rapidly dividing petal cells. Thus, HOP2 plays both a positive role in promoting homologous chromosome synapsis and a separable role in preventing nonhomologous chromosome exchanges. Possible mechanisms for this second important role are discussed.

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