Local decondensation of chromatic at the surface of meiotic chromosomes during anaphase movement
Fuge, H.
European Journal of Cell Biology 23(1): 166-170
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0171-9335 PMID: 7460963 Document Number: 163245
Chromosomes in male meiosis of the crane fly Pales ferruginea develop characteristic lamellar chromatin projections (LCP) at their periphery during anaphase movement. LCP have a thickness of about 30 nm on the average and are 0.1-0.35 .mu.m wide. They run alongside the chromatids in the direction of the spindle axis and are associated with rows of spindle microtubules. Analysis of serial sections through different planes showed the chromatin of the LCP to be relatively decondensed revealing stretches of chromatin fibers about 30 nm in diameter. It is assumed that the LCP result from local uncoiling or unfolding of the condensed metaphase chromatid and are formed by interaction with spindle microtubules. The development of LCP would be compatible with a Radial Loop Model of the metaphase chromatid as proposed by others.