Silver-stained synaptonemal complexes of human pachytene bivalents studied by light microscopy

The synaptonemal complex (SC), a part of the ultrastructure of the pachytene bivalent of eukaryotic organisms, is intimately connected with the pairing of homologous chromosomes. Its development, structure, and function have been studied extensively with the electron microscope during the past 20 years. A simple method of staining with silver nitrate has made it possible for us to visualize human SCs with the light microscope.