MEIOSIS

 This is a type of cell division that halve

the chromosome number of individual cell
 Meiosis has 2 cell divisions
 Meiosis I
 Meiosis II
MEIOSIS I
This is a typically lengthened stage
compared to other stages in meiosis
Example in human female oocyte in
the ovary enters prophase I about the
time of birth
The oocyte remains arrested at this
stage for decades
 PROPHASE I

Stages of Prophase 1
Leptotene
• Chromosomes become gradually visible in light
microscope
• In electron microscope chromosomes are revealed to
be composed of paired chromatids
• Zygotene
• Compaction of chromosomes is continued
• A point is reached when the homologous
chromosomes can be seen associated with one another
ZYGOTENE CONT’D
• The process of association is called synapsis
• The mechanisms by which homologous chromosomes
pair is not quite clear
• Some studies propose that h. chromosomes are held
together prior to meiotic prophase
• Electron micrographs indicate that chromosome synapsis
is accompanied by the formation of complex structure
called Synaptonemal complex (SC)
ZYGOTENE CONT’D
 SC function primarily as a scaffold to allow interacting
chromatids to complete their cross over activities
 The complex formed by a pair of synapsed homologous
chromosomes is called a bivalent or tetrad
PACHYTENE
• Synaptonemal complex is fully formed
• There are a number of electron dense bodies about 100 nm in
diameter at irregular intervals within the center of
synaptonemal complex
• These bodies are called recombination nodules
• They correspond to crossing over points
• They have enzymes that facilitate genetic recombination
DIPLOTENE
• Synaptonemal complex is dissolved
• Homologous chromosomes of the bivalent pull away somewhat
from each other, but remain attached to each other at some
points
• The points of attachment are ‘‘X’’ shaped termed chiasmata
• Chiasmata are the visible manifestations of events called
crossovers
• The cross over is a precise breakage-and-reunion events that
occur between 2 non sister chromatids
DIAKINESIS
• Meiotic spindle is assembled
• Chromosomes are prepared for separation
• Nucleolus disappear and nuclear envelop break down
• Tetrads move to the metaphase plate
• In vertebrates the process is triggered by an increase in
the level of the protein kinase activity of MPF
(Maturation Promoting Factors)
METAPHASE 1
 The two homologous chromosomes of each bivalent are
connected to chromosomal fibers from opposite poles
 Abnormalities in formation of metaphase I spindle
trigger arrest of meiosis by a checkpoint mechanism
similar to that of mitosis
ANAPHASE 1
• Cohesion between chromosome arms is lost, this allow
homologous chromosomes of each bivalent to separate from
one another
• Cohesion between joined centromere of the sister chromatids
remain firm
• Orientation of maternal and paternal chromosomes of each
bivalent on metaphase I plate is random
• When chromosomes separate during anaphase I, each pole
receives a random assortment of maternal and paternal
chromosomes
ANAPHASE 1 CONT’D
 Anaphase I corresponds to Mendel’s law of independent
assortment
TELOPHASE 1
• Chromosomes disperse
• Nuclear membrane may or may not reform
• Genetic Recombination
• Meiosis increase genetic variability
 Independent assortment of chromosomes
 Genetic recombination by cross-over
 Mixing of alleles between maternal and paternal homologous
chromosomes in meiosis produce organisms with novel
genotypes and phenotypes