Achiasmate segregation of X and B univalents in males of the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans is independent of previous association

Chromosome Res. 1996 Jan;4(1):43-8. doi: 10.1007/BF02254944.

Abstract

B chromosomes proved to be more frequent in males than females of the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans collected from the population in Jete (Granada, Spain) in 1992. The meiotic behaviour of the X and B univalents was analysed in a high number of 1B males collected from this population in 1991 and 1992, and in males from another population (Salobreña, Granada, Spain) for comparison. These two chromosomes showed a significant tendency to migrate to opposite poles in the Jete population, during the 2 years analysed, but separated randomly in the Salobreña population. Thus, sex differences in the B frequency in Jete seemed to be due to the non-random X-B segregation during male meiosis. The analysis of association patterns between the two univalents over several stages of the first meiotic division indicated a heterochromatic affinity rather than association by chiasmata because most X-B associations had resolved by metaphase I. The X and B chromosomes share two different DNA sequences, so that some associations during prophase I undoubtedly involve homologous DNA sequences. The frequency with which X and B migrated to opposite poles at anaphase I in Jete, however, did not show any significant dependence on previous association at zygotene, diplotene or metaphase I.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anaphase
  • Animals
  • Chromatids / chemistry
  • Chromatin / chemistry
  • Chromosomes*
  • Female
  • Grasshoppers / genetics*
  • Male
  • Meiosis*
  • Metaphase
  • Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
  • Sex Chromosomes
  • X Chromosome*

Substances

  • Chromatin