Covariation of Synaptonemal Complex Length and Mammalian Meiotic Exchange Rates

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1071220
• Publication Date: 2002-07-28T23:06:23Z
• Authors: Audrey Lynn; Kara E. Koehler; LuAnn Judis; Ernest R. Chan; Jonathan P. Cherry; Stuart Schwartz; Allen Seftel; Patricia A. Hunt; Terry J. Hassold
• Keywords: Synaptonemal complex; Chromosomal crossover

Analysis of recombination between loci (linkage analysis) has been a cornerstone human genetic research, enabling investigators to localize and, ultimately, identify loci. However, despite these efforts little is known about patterns meiotic exchange in germ cells or the mechanisms that control patterns. Using recently developed immunofluorescence methodology examine exchanges spermatocytes, we have identified remarkable variation rate within and among individuals. Subsequent analyses indicate that, humans mice, this linked differences length synaptonemal complex. Thus, at least mammals, physical structure, complex, reflects rather than distance.