Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
09:08
A Fast Air-dry Dropping Chromosome Preparation Method Suitable for FISH in Plants
Published on: December 16, 2015
Chromosome pairing within genomes in maize-Tripsacum hybrids
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 27, 1970
Summary
Maize chromosomes were introduced into a polyploid Tripsacum dactyloides background, forming up to five pairs during meiosis. This genetic background likely induced within-genome pairing in the maize chromosomes.
Area of Science:
- Plant genetics
- Cytogenetics
- Maize and Tripsacum breeding
Background:
- Polyploid Tripsacum dactyloides (2n=72) provides a genetic background for maize chromosome integration.
- Understanding interspecific chromosome interactions is crucial for crop improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the meiotic behavior of maize chromosomes within a polyploid Tripsacum dactyloides background.
- To analyze chromosome pairing and identify potential genetic influences on recombination.
Main Methods:
- Maize chromosomes were introduced into a Tripsacum dactyloides polyploid.
- Two F(1) hybrid plants with 36 Tripsacum and 14 maize chromosomes were analyzed.
- Chromosome pairing was observed and quantified during meiosis.
- Maize and Tripsacum chromosomes were distinguished by size.
Main Results:
- Maize chromosomes formed up to five pairs at meiosis within the Tripsacum background.
- Observed bivalents included 18 Tripsacum-Tripsacum and 7 maize-maize pairings.
- Within-genome pairing of maize chromosomes was frequently observed.
Conclusions:
- The genetic background of Tripsacum dactyloides likely induces within-genome pairing in maize chromosomes.
- This finding has implications for understanding genome compatibility and potential for interspecific gene transfer.
Related Concept Videos
01:34Crossing 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...
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...
01:20Monohybrid Crosses
Overview
01:18Dihybrid Crosses
Overview
01:20Monohybrid Crosses
Overview
02:27Trihybrid Crosses
Trihybrid Crosses
Some of Mendel’s crosses examined three pairs of contrasting characteristics. Such a cross is called a trihybrid cross. A trihybrid cross is a combination of three individual monohybrid crosses. For example, plant height (tall vs. short), seed shape (round vs. wrinkled), and seed color (yellow vs. green).
The F1 generation plants of a trihybrid cross are heterozygous for all three traits and produce eight gametes. Upon self-fertilization, these gametes have an equal chance to...
Some of Mendel’s crosses examined three pairs of contrasting characteristics. Such a cross is called a trihybrid cross. A trihybrid cross is a combination of three individual monohybrid crosses. For example, plant height (tall vs. short), seed shape (round vs. wrinkled), and seed color (yellow vs. green).
The F1 generation plants of a trihybrid cross are heterozygous for all three traits and produce eight gametes. Upon self-fertilization, these gametes have an equal chance to...
01:30Crossing 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...