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Increased frequency of mitotic crossing-over in heterochromatin during the first cleavage division in Drosophila melanogaster

Journal Article · · Russian Journal of Genetics
OSTI ID:83448
;  [1]
  1. Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk (Russian Federation)
It is shown that, although no compaction of paracentromeric heterochromatin occurs during the first cleavage division in Drosophila melanogaster, the frequency of mitotic crossing-over in corresponding chromosome regions is increased, as compared to that in euchromatin. Because a similar situation is observed at later stages of Drosophila development, at which compact chromatin regions become well-manifested, it is concluded that the effect of heterochromatin on the frequency of crossing-over does not depend on its packing. A positive correlation between crossing-over events in paracentromeric heterochromatin and euchromatin was observed. This effect is probably due to the formation of a continuous region of somatic synapsis, which facilitates the process of mitotic crossing-over. On this basis, it is proposed that the effect of heterochromatin on mitotic crossing-over is associated with preferential chromosome pairing in the corresponding regions. 10 refs., 1 fig.
OSTI ID:
83448
Journal Information:
Russian Journal of Genetics, Journal Name: Russian Journal of Genetics Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 31; ISSN 1022-7954; ISSN RJGEEQ
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English