The X and Y chromosome in meiosis: how and why they keep silent

• 来源期刊: 亚洲男性学杂志（英文版）
• 年，卷（期）: 2011,（6）
• 页码范围: 779-780
• 页数: 2页
• 语种: 英文
• DOI: 10.1038/aja.2011.93

摘要

The XX/XY sex chromosomal system of mammals,including human,challenges the chromosome pairing mechanism during male meiosis.Pairing and subsequent separation of homologous chromosomes generates haploid cells from diploid cells during the meiotic divisions.One of the basic requirements for recognition between homologous chromosomes is DNA sequence identity.Since the X and Y chromosome share little homology,their quest for each other is difficult,and has special characteristics.During the lengthy meiotic prophase,all autosomal chromosomes synapse,by forming a special protein structure called the synaptonemal complex,which connects the chromosomal axes.In contrast,the X and Y chromosome synapse only in the short homologous pseudoautosomal regions,and form the so-called XY body.