SYNAPTIC DEFECTS OF ASYNAPTIC HOMOZYGOTES IN MAIZE AT THE ELECTRON-MICROSCOPE LEVEL

More detailed observations of the synaptonemal complex (SC) in asynapt ic maize plants have been faciliated by superior silver-staining proce dures. These suggest that central region components of the SC are stro ngly implicated as defective in asynaptic. Apparently homologous axial elements tend to follow roughly parallel courses within the nucleus a t pachytene, in some short segments apparently synapsed and in others at wider separation than normal synapsis yet close enough to allow obs ervation of thin central element segments and also occasional thin tra nsverse element-type structures. This kind of transverse filament may be weakened and severely stretched yet associated with both axial elem ents. Small nodules, similar to recombination nodules, appear at corre sponding positions in widely separated axial elements.