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Crossing Over

Crossing Over

Unlike mitosis, meiosis aims for genetic diversity in its creation of haploid gametes. Dividing germ cells first begin this process in prophase I, where each chromosome—replicated in S phase—is now composed of two sister chromatids (identical copies) joined centrally.
The homologous pairs of sister chromosomes—one from the maternal and one from the paternal genome—then begin to align alongside each other lengthwise, matching corresponding DNA positions in a process called synapsis.
In order to...

Crossing Over

Crossing Over

Crossing over is the exchange of genetic information between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis I. Genetic recombination gives rise to allelic diversity in the newly formed daughter cells. In humans, crossing over produces genetically distinct haploid egg and sperm cells that undergo fertilization to produce unique offspring. Before cell division starts, the germ cell’s chromosome(s) undergo duplication in the S phase of the cell cycle. As the cells enter prophase I, duplicated...

Separation of Sister Chromatids

Separation of Sister Chromatids

At the transition from prophase to metaphase, there is a reduction in cohesion along the chromosomal arms, resulting in the resolution of sister chromatids. However, residual cohesin connections remain to hold the sister chromatids together until the transition from metaphase to anaphase. The residual connection prevents any premature separation of sister chromatids, blocking the risks of aneuploidy within the daughter cells.
At the onset of anaphase, separase, a proteolytic enzyme, is...

Separation of Sister Chromatids

Separation of Sister Chromatids

At the transition from prophase to metaphase, there is a reduction in cohesion along the chromosomal arms, resulting in the resolution of sister chromatids. However, residual cohesin connections remain to hold the sister chromatids together until the transition from metaphase to anaphase. The residual connection prevents any premature separation of sister chromatids, blocking the risks of aneuploidy within the daughter cells.
At the onset of anaphase, separase, a proteolytic enzyme, is...

Polytene Chromosomes

Polytene Chromosomes

Polytene chromosomes are giant interphase chromosomes with several DNA strands placed side by side. They were discovered in the year 1881 by Balbiani in salivary glands, intestine, muscles, malpighian tubules, and hypoderm of larvae Chironomus plumosus. Hence, these are also called "Salivary gland chromosomes." These are found in insects of the order Diptera and Collembola; in certain organs of mammals; and synergids, antipodes of flowering plants. Polytene chromosomes are also regularly...

Polytene Chromosomes

Polytene Chromosomes

Polytene chromosomes are giant interphase chromosomes with several DNA strands placed side by side. They were discovered in the year 1881 by Balbiani in salivary glands, intestine, muscles, malpighian tubules, and hypoderm of larvae Chironomus plumosus. Hence, these are also called "Salivary gland chromosomes." These are found in insects of the order Diptera and Collembola; in certain organs of mammals; and synergids, antipodes of flowering plants. Polytene chromosomes are also regularly...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Chromosome Replicating Timing Combined with Fluorescent In situ Hybridization

Chromosome Replicating Timing Combined with Fluorescent In situ Hybridization

Published on: December 10, 2012

Chromothripsis: chromosomes in crisis.

Mathew J K Jones¹, Prasad V Jallepalli

¹Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.

Developmental Cell

|November 17, 2012

Summary

Cancer development involves genetic changes. Chromothripsis, a process causing rapid, complex chromosome rearrangements, challenges the idea that these changes occur slowly over decades.

Area of Science:

Genetics
Oncology
Genomics

Background:

Cancer cells acquire genetic alterations for tumor-specific traits like immortalization and metastasis.
These alterations are traditionally thought to accumulate slowly over many years.
Recent cancer genome sequencing reveals rapid, complex chromosomal rearrangements.

Purpose of the Study:

To review established pathways maintaining genome integrity.
To discuss how the dysfunction of these pathways may lead to widespread chromosome breakage and rearrangement during cancer development.
To explore the role of chromothripsis in oncogenesis.

Main Methods:

Review of established pathways for genome integrity.
Analysis of recent cancer genome sequencing data.

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Published on: April 13, 2018

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Last Updated: May 16, 2026

Chromosome Replicating Timing Combined with Fluorescent In situ Hybridization

Chromosome Replicating Timing Combined with Fluorescent In situ Hybridization

Published on: December 10, 2012

Chromosome Preparation From Cultured Cells

Chromosome Preparation From Cultured Cells

Published on: January 28, 2014

Generation and Isolation of Cell Cycle-arrested Cells with Complex Karyotypes

Generation and Isolation of Cell Cycle-arrested Cells with Complex Karyotypes

Published on: April 13, 2018

Discussion of mechanisms leading to chromosome breakage and rearrangement.

Main Results:

Established pathways are crucial for maintaining genome integrity.
Dysfunction in these pathways can lead to significant chromosome instability.
Chromothripsis is a phenomenon causing rapid, complex chromosomal rearrangements.

Conclusions:

The traditional view of gradual genetic alteration in cancer is challenged by rapid rearrangement events like chromothripsis.
Dysfunctional genome integrity pathways may precipitate widespread chromosome breakage and rearrangement.
Understanding these rapid events is crucial for comprehending oncogenesis.