Question

A note on synaptonemal complex

Answer 1

The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a proteinstructure that forms between homologous chromosomes (two pairs of sister chromatids) during meiosis and is thought to mediate chromosome pairing, synapsis, and recombination. It is now evident that the synaptonemal complex is not required for genetic recombination in some organisms.

Answer 2

$\sf\underline{ Synaptonemal \: \: complex }$ :-

• During zygotene stage chromosomes start pairing together and this process of association is called synopsis.

⟶ Such paired chromosomes are called homologous chromosomes.

⟶ Chromosome synapsis is accompanied by the formation of complex structure called synaptonemal complex.

⟶ The complex formed by a pair of homologous chromosomes is called bivalent or tetrad of chromatids.