Skip to main content
Log in

Synaptonemal polycomplexes in Drosophila melanogaster

  • Published:
Chromosoma Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Synaptonemal polycomplexes are described for the first time in Drosophila melanogaster females. They were found in apparently degenerating 16-cell clusters in germarial region two of females heterozygous for the c(3)G 17 mutation. The remaining 16-cell clusters in the germaria were normal in appearance. In a single case a polycomplex was found in the cytoplasm, presumably due to the breakdown of the nuclear envelope. In all other cases, the polycomplexes were closely associated with the nucleolus. The role of the nucleolus in the formation of polycomplexes as well as the possibility that these polycomplexes are normal features of the meiotic prophase in Drosophila are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Anderson, P. J.: Purification and quantitation of glutaraldehyde and its effect on several enzyme activities in skeletal muscle. J. Histochem. Cytochem. 15, 652–661 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dudley, P. L.: Synaptonemal polycomplexes in spermatocytes of the Gooseneck Barnacle, Pollicipes polymerus Sowerby (Crustacea: Cirripedia). Chromosoma (Berl.) 40, 221–242 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Engels, F. M., Croes, A. F.: The synaptonemal complex in yeast. Chromosoma (Berl.) 25, 104–106 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fiil, A., Moens, P. B.: The development and function of modified synaptonemal complexes in mosquito oocytes. Chromosoma (Berl.) 41, 37–62 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gruzova, M. N., Zaichikova, Z. P., Sokolov, I. I.: Functional organization of the nucleus in the oogenesis of Chrysopa perla L. (Insecta, Neuroptera). Chromosoma (Berl.) 37, 353–386 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jaworska, H., Lima-de-Faria, A.: Multiple synaptinemal complexes at the region of gene amplification in Acheta. Chromosoma (Berl.) 28, 309–327 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • King, R. C.: Ovarian development in Drosophila melanogaster. New York and London: Academic Press, Inc. 1970

    Google Scholar 

  • Loche, M., Krishnan, N., McMahon, J. T.: A routine method for obtaining high contrast without staining sections. J. Cell Biol. 50, 540–544 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Moens, P. B.: Multiple core complexes in grasshopper spermatocytes and spermatids. J. Cell Biol. 40, 542–551 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Moens, P. B., Rapport, E.: Synaptic structures in the nuclei of sporulating yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisia (Hansen). J. Cell Sci. 9, 665–677 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Moses, M. J.: Synaptinemal complex. Ann. Rev. Genet. 2, 363–412 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Rasmussen, S. W.: Ultrastructural studies of spermatogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster Meigen. Z. Zellforsch. 140, 125–144 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Rasmussen, S. W.: Studies on the development of the synaptinemal complex in Drosophila melanogaster. C. R. Trav. Lab. Carlsberg 39, 443–468 1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Rasmussen, S. W.: Ultrastructural studies of meiosis in males and females of the c(3)G17 mutant of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen. C. R. Trav. Lab. Carlsberg (in press, 1975)

  • Reynolds, E. S.: The use of lead citrate at high pH as an electron opaque stain in electron microscopy. J. Cell Biol. 17, 208–211 (1963)

    Google Scholar 

  • Roth, T. F.: Changes in the synaptinemal complex during meiotic prophase in mosquito oocytes. Protoplasma (Wien) 61, 346–386 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, P. A., King, R. C.: Genetic control of synaptinemal complexes in Drosophila melanogaster. Genetics 60, 335–351 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  • Spurr, A. R.: A low-viscosity epoxy resin embedding medium for electron microscopy. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 26, 31–43 (1989)

    Google Scholar 

  • Westergaard, M., Wettstein, D. von: Studies on the mechanism of crossing over. IV. The molecular organization of the synaptinemal complex in Neottiella (Cooke) Saccardo (Ascomycetes). C. R. Trav. Lab. Carlsberg 37, 239–268 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Westergaard, M., Wettstein, D. von: The synaptinemal complex. Ann. Rev. Genet. 6, 71–110 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wettstein, R., Sotelo, J. R.: The molecular architecture of synaptonemal complexes. Advanc. Cell Biol. 1, 109–152 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Rasmussen, S.W. Synaptonemal polycomplexes in Drosophila melanogaster . Chromosoma 49, 321–331 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00361074

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00361074

Keywords

Navigation