MadSci Network: Molecular Biology
Query:

Re: What causes homologous genes to come together in pairs during synapsis?

Date: Sun Apr 26 13:55:45 1998
Posted By: Glenn Bauer, Faculty Biology, Saint Michael's College
Area of science: Molecular Biology
ID: 892491347.Mb
Message:

Synapsis occurs during prophase I of meiosis.  First, there is a loose 
pairing of homologous chromosomes followed by corssing-over or 
recombination.  Homologous chromosomes are able to pair to each other because 
their sequences are essentially similar or even identical in some places.  After 
this has occurred (or at least begun), then synapsis 
occurs.  Synapsis is an intimate association between the homologous 
chromosomes.  This intimate association is probably catalyzed by the 
formation of protein structures found between the synapsed chromosomes.  
These protein structures include two lateral plates connected to a central 
plates by filamentous layers. On either side of these protein plates is 
the DNA from the non-sister chromatids.  What actually initiates this 
process is currently unknown.  Also, the above description may not agree 
exactly with what your textbook states unless it is a very recent edition. 
Sorry that I couldn't answer your question more thoroughly, but this is an 
active area of research and hopefully someone will find the answer to your 
question shortly. 



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