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An ultrastructural cytogenetic study on the evolution of sex chromosomes during the spermatogenesis of Lycosa malitiosa (Arachnida)

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Abstract

In an electron microscopic study concerning the structure of sex chromosomes of the spider Lycosa malitiosa (male 2n=20 X1 X2O) and their behaviour during spermatogenesis, based on a detailed analysis of meiotic stages (including tridimensional reconstructions), we established: a) the existence of a special type of pairing between non-homologous sex chromosomes, which become associated by a particular laminar structure; b) the existence of a connection between both sex chromosomes and two or three autosomes. This connection is mediated by well-defined structures located in small regions of the sex chromosome surface; c) the presence of short fibrillar axes in the middle of each sex chromosome. — The scarce literature on the ultrastructure of invertebrate sex chromosomes is commented upon and the probable functional interpretation of the described structures is discussed.

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This paper is dedicated to the memory of the late professor Francisco Alberto Saez, whose permanent interest stimulated in our Division the development of cytogenetical studies at the ultrastructural level

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Benavente, R., Wettstein, R. An ultrastructural cytogenetic study on the evolution of sex chromosomes during the spermatogenesis of Lycosa malitiosa (Arachnida). Chromosoma 64, 255–277 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00328081

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00328081

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