During meiosis, molecular ropes (red) pull chromosomes (blue) apart (top panels). But when the coiled complex of DNA and histone proteins doesn’t acquire a third chemical group at a specific spot, chromosomes do not separate successfully (bottom panels). Image credits: Tahsin Kuzdere
During meiosis, molecular ropes ( red ) pull chromosomes ( blue ) apart ( top panels ). But when the coiled complex of DNA and histone proteins doesn't acquire a third chemical group at a specific spot, chromosomes do not separate successfully ( bottom panels ). Image credits: Tahsin Kuzdere - FMI researchers have honed in on a key process that happens when yeast cells divide to form gametes, which are the equivalents of human sperm and egg. Their work suggests that proteins conserved from yeast to humans ensure the production of gametes with the right number of chromosomes — a finding that may help to understand conditions such as Down syndrome and certain cancers. To reproduce, most organisms create specialized sex cells called gametes. These cells must contain half the usual number of chromosomes so that when pairs of gametes merge, they can create new individuals with a complete genome. Precursor cells divide to form gametes in a process called meiosis, during which chromosomes separate.
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