The chromosomal distribution of human satellite III DNA during meiosis

Abstract

In human meiotic cells DNA satellite II is located in the same sites as in mitotic cells, but in prophase the areas are less condensed. This differs from the situation in Plethodon where the sites of heavy satellite DNA are condensed throughout meiotic prophase (MacGregor and Kezer, 1971). The difference may be ascribed to the fact that Plethodon heavy satellite is pericentrically located, whereas few if any of the human satellite sites are actually at centromeres. A second difference is found in sperm, where the Plethodon satellite is located at a single site in the rear of the nucleus, while the satellite regions in mad do not have a common or constant orientation, suggesting that the respective satellites may well be functionally different.