Synapsis and related phenomena in mecostethus and leptysma (orthoptera)

Contains a description of the very involved process of synapsis, which is displayed with unusual clearness in Mecostethus. It is found that the homologous spermatogonial chromosomes, already longitudinally split in the telophase, become closely associated while still in the diatene condition. From the proximal end of each pair, which attaches to the karyotheca, there spins out a delicate thread. Meanwhile the distal, heavy portion of the spiral, double rod executes a loop so that the proximal and distal ends lie near together. Gradually the remaining heavy portion becomes extended until the entire tetrad is in the leptotene condition. In different species of Orthoptera there are variations in the time of association of homologues. The bearing of the facts disclosed in Mecostethus upon the physical characteristics of chromosomes, their movements and changes in meiosis, their individuality and relation to genetical processes are discussed.