Hypothesis to explain synapsis of meiotic chromosomes [32]

Abstract

THERE is so far no satisfactory explanation for the synapsis of homologous chromosomes at meiosis1. In the past, the process has been attributed to various factors such as electrostatic forces2, resonance bonding3, hydro-dynamic forces4 and antigen-antibody formation5. The criticisms of these hypotheses have been reviewed by Riley and Law1. In this communication I have attempted to explain this phenomenon in molecular terms. © 1968 Nature Publishing Group.