Abstract
Surface-spread and silver-stained preparations of spermatocytes from a giant panda were observed by electron microscopy for synaptonemal complex karyotyping. Ten pachytene spermatocyte nuclei were selected for length quantitation of SC. The mean relative lengths and centromeric indices of each SC agreed closely with those of the mitotic chromosomes. The pairing between lateral elements of autosomal chromosomes starts at early zygotene and leads progressively along their length to complete pairing at pachytene. The whole Y is paired with 1/3 length of X at mid-pachytene. The morphology of X and Y chromosome axes and the nonhomologous pairing of X and Y is discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ashley, T., 1984. A re-examination of the case for homology between the X and Y chromosomes of mouse and man. Hum. Genet. 67: 372–377.
Burgoyne, P. S., 1982. Genetic homology and crossing over in the X and Y chromosomes of mammals. Hum. Genet. 61: 85–90.
Chandley, A. C., Goetz, P., Hargreave, T. B., Joseph, A. M. & Speed, R. M., 1984. On the nature and extent of XY pairing at meiotic prophase in man. Cytogenet. Cell Genet. 38: 241–247.
Chen, Wenyuan, Wang, Xizhong, Wang, Zishu, He, Guangxin & Ye, Zhiyong, 1985. Studies on chromosome banding of Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Zool. Res. 6: 201–207.
Guitart, M., Coll, M. D., Ponsa, M. & Egozcue, J., 1985. Sequential study of synaptonemal complexes in mouse spermatocytes by light and electron microscopy. Genetica 67: 21–30.
John, B., 1976. Myths and mechanisms of meiosis. Chromosoma 54: 295–325.
Koller, P. C. & Darlington, D. C., 1934. The genetical and mechanical properties of the sex chromosomes. I. Rattus norvegicus. O. J. Genet. 29: 159–173.
Ma, Kun & Shi, Liming, 1988. Study on synaptonemal complexes in spermatocytes of Chinese Muntjak (M. reevesi), Black Muntjak (M. crinifrons) and Indian Muntjak (Muntiacus muntiae). Chin. J. Genet. 15 (3): 283–292.
Moses, M. J., 1977a. Synaptonemal complex karyotyping in spermatocytes of the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) I. Morphology of the autosomal complement in spread preparations. Chromosoma 60: 99–125.
Moses, M. J., 1977b, Synaptonemal complex karyotyping in spermatocytes of the XY pair in spread preparations. Chromosoma 60: 127–137.
Moses, M. J., 1977c. Synaptonemal complex karyotyping in spermatocytes of the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) III. Quantitative evaluation. Chromosoma 50: 345–375.
Nash, W.J. & O'Brien, S.J., 1987. A comparative chromosome banding analysis at the Ursidae and their relationship to other carnivores. Cytogenet. Cell Genet. 45: 206–212.
Rasmussen, S. W., 1978. Human meiosis II. Chromosome pairing and recombination nodules in human spermatocytes. Carlsberg Res. Comm. 43: 275–327.
Rasmussen, S. W. & Holm, P. B., 1980. Mechanisms of melosis. Hereditas 93: 187–216.
Solari, A. J., 1974. The behavior of the XY pair in mammals. Int. Rev. Cytol 38: 273–317.
Solari, A. J., 1980. Synaptonemal complexes and associated structures in microspread human spermatocytes Chromosoma 81: 315–337.
Weng, Kong Sung & Georgiana, J., 1982. A technique for light and electron microscopy of the synaptonemal complex of the mouse oocyte. Can. J. Genet. Cytol 24: 675–680.
Wurster-Hill, D. H. & Bush, M., 1980. The interrelationship of chromosome banding patterns in the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), hybrid bear (Ursus middendorfi x Thalarctos maritimus), and other carnivores. Cytogenet. Cell Genet. 27: 147–154.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Caixia, M., Liming, S. Electron microscopic observations on the synaptonemal complex of spermatocytes of the Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Genetica 81, 43–50 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055235
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00055235