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Prctical lesson 1 General Genetics.

2017-18

Practice 1
Cell division: Meiosis

MEIOSIS

Introduction
Many living beings originated from the union of two germ cells or gametes, one
from the father and one from the mother. Meiosis is a reduction division of the nucleus
involved in the formation of gametes and spores. Unlike mitosis, meiosis takes place only
in certain types of cells: gametocytes (in animals), stem cells from spores (in plants). It
consists of two successive nuclear divisions without intermediate chromosomal
replication. In the first division, homologous chromosomes are separated randomly and
in the second division the chromatids are separated. The diploid number of chromosomes
is reduced as a result of the two divisions, and each of the four daughter cells receive a
complete haploid set. When gametes combine to form the Zygote is restored the original
number of chromosomes.
During the first meiotic division occurs a specific mating between chromatids of
homologous chromosomes (synapses). Takes place then the cytological phenomenon of
the crossover, resulting in genetic recombination, gene exchange, property that allows
agencies to fully exploit the genetic variability produced by mutation, primary source of
variation associated alleles which were not previously together.
Meiosis ensures two fundamental genetic processes: recombination and
chromosome reduction.

Objectives
Learn the process of meiosis to understand the mechanisms of transmission of
genetic material to the descendant cells.
Know both nuclear and cytoplasmic changes that take place during meiosis.
Observe the different stages of meiosis by staining.

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Prctical lesson 1 General Genetics. 2017-18

Material

Plant material
The male meiocitos, which are found in the anthers, are the material usually selected for
the study of the behavior of meiotic chromosomes in plants. In the anther can be observed
the 1st and 2nd meiotic of stem cells from the pollen grain division. Inflorescences of
Tradescantia pallida or Setcreasea purpurea, ornamental plant will be employed.
Inflorescences should be cut in an early stage of development to find stem cells from the
pollen grain.

Reagents and equipment


Acetic Orcein 1%
Needles
Coverslip
Slides
Lancet
Binocular Lens
Optical microscope
Filter paper
Dissection forceps

Procedure
Extraction of anthers
1. Remove the bracts of the inflorescence and select flowers in various stages of
development.
2. Open flowers and using the lens, remove the anthers with the aid of the
needles.
Select only those anthers that are not overly ripe (to not have acquired still yellow
coloration) to find stem cells from the pollen grain.
Stained with acetic orcein
3. Place the anthers on the slide with a drop of acetic orcein so it does not dry
out.
Mounting

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Prctical lesson 1 General Genetics. 2017-18

4. Looking through the magnifying glass, separate from the rest of the flower
anthers using only these. Click the anthers in the connective and tear the teak
verifying content stain (is a darker sediment).
It is better to dye the anthers of flowers in various stages of development, since
all the pollen from the anthers of a same flower stem cells tend to be in the same
stage or in the next stages of meiosis.
5. After staining, remove excess tissue and cover with a coverslip
Before the squash it is advisable to observe the preparation under a microscope to
check for the presence of the tetrads.
6. Inserting a filter paper, crush the coverslip with your thumb, press at the time
was spinning finger in one direction only (squash), to promote the vision of
the chromosomes in a plane.
7. Remove the excess dye with filter paper.
8. Observe under the microscope (objectives 10 x-40 x)

Question to solve before de lab session


1. Explain why it takes place a reduction division
Question to solve after de lab session
1. Relate the laws of Mendel with meiosis.

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