Parasynapsis is a term used in genetics to describe the incomplete pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis. The word is spelled as /ˌpærəˈsɪnæpsɪs/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The "para-" prefix means "beside" or "near," while "synapsis" refers to the close association of chromosomes during meiosis. The complex spelling of "parasynapsis" reflects its technical and specific usage within the field of genetics. Correct spelling is important to ensure precise understanding and communication of scientific concepts.
Parasynapsis is a term used in genetics and reproductive biology to describe a particular type of genetic recombination that occurs during meiosis, the process of cell division that leads to the formation of gametes (sex cells like sperm and eggs).
During meiosis, chromosomes line up next to each other in a process called synapsis, and portions of genetic material are sometimes exchanged between homologous chromosomes. In parasynapsis, this exchange occurs at specific regions known as chiasmata. Unlike normal synapsis, where chromosomes align perfectly and exchange genetic information, chiasmata in parasynapsis result in mismatched alignments or "mismatches" due to mispairing or misalignment of chromosomes.
This type of genetic recombination can have significant consequences for the inheritance of genes and the evolution of species. It can lead to the production of offspring with genetic variations, as well as the shuffling of genetic material between different chromosomes. By creating new combinations of genes, parasynapsis plays a role in genetic diversity and can contribute to the adaptation and survival of species.
In summary, parasynapsis is a process during meiosis where not all sections of genetic material align and exchange correctly between homologous chromosomes. This can result in genetic diversity and plays a crucial role in the evolution of species.
Union of chromosomes side to side in the process of "reduction.".
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "parasynapsis" has its roots in Greek. It is derived from two Greek terms: "para", meaning "beside" or "alongside", and "synapsis", which refers to the process of pairing and exchanging genetic material during meiosis.