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Evidence for homologous pairing of chromosomes prior to meiotic prophase in maize

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Abstract

Relative positions of homologous heterochromatic regions of maize chromosomes were studied at premeiotic interphase, at tapetal mitotic interphase and at root tip mitotic interphase. In all three kinds of cell homologues were found to be situated significantly nearer to each other than to heterologues. It is concluded that some degree of homologous chromosome pairing may occur widely at anaphase or telophase (where it is easily overlooked) and that therefore, as has been previously suggested, homologues may be loosely aligned throughout premeiotic interphase in preparation for their subsequent synapsis.

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Maguire, M.P. Evidence for homologous pairing of chromosomes prior to meiotic prophase in maize. Chromosoma 21, 221–231 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00329547

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