MOLECULAR CONTROL OF MEIOSIS

The animal cell cycle consists of a round of chromosomal DNA replicati on in S-phase, followed by segregation of the replicated chromosomes i nto the daughter nuclei during M-phase. In most animal cells, gap phas es termed G(1) and G(2) are introduced between the M- and S-phases, re spectively. Meiosis is a particular example of cell division occurring in germ cells. This specialized cell cycle consists of two successive rounds of chromosome segregation that follow a round of DNA replicati on. Meiosis produces progeny cells with half as many chromosomes as th eir parents, thus making sexual reproduction possible. This review is concerned with the factors that have been implicated in the control of meiosis, although research in progress may reveal additional regulato ry processes.