Meiotic chromosome pairing and synaptonemal complex transformation in Culex pipiens oocytes

The synaptonemal complexes of the oocytes of the mosquito Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus have been reconstructed from serial sections. A diffuse structure, probably a chromocenter composed of centromeric heterochromatin, was present during pachytene. As no synaptonemal complexes were visible inside the chromocenter the continuity of the 2 arms of a bivalent was lost. The telomeric ends were clustered on a small area of the nuclear membrane in a bouquet arrangement; they were associated in pairs, and sometimes joined through a special structure. One pair was composed of the 2 telomeres of the shortest bivalent and a ring configuration was thus formed. The other 2 chromosomes may form one or two rings. During a short transitional stage, after the disappearence of the synaptonemal complexes, several thousand annuli, 1200-1500 A in diameter, were present in the nuclei. The annuli disappeared as material originating mainly from the transverse filaments of the synaptonemal complexes formed a "capsule" around the chromosomes during diplotene.