ii) Meiosis
■ This process begins when Type B spermatogonia lose their contact with the
basement membrane to form preleptotene primary spermatocytes.
■ The preleptotene pringage in DNA synthesis and
condensation of individual chromosomes providing the appearance of thin
filaments in the nucleus which identify the leptotene stage. At this stage,
each chromosome consists of a pair of chromatids.
■ As the cells move into the zygotene stage, there is further thickening of
these chromatids and the pairing of homologous chromosomes.
■ The further enlargement of the nucleus and condensation of the pairs of
homologous chromosomes termed bivalents, provides the nuclear
characteristics of the pachyten stage primary spermatocyte.
■ During this stage, there is exchange of genetic material between homologous
chromosomes derived from maternal and paternal sources. The sites of
exchange of genetic material are marked by the appearance of chiasmata and
these become visible when the homologous chromosomes separate slightly
during diplotene. The exchange of genetic material involves DNA strand
breakage and repair.