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W. G. Pritchard Lab Seminar: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM, 106 McAllister Bldg

	            **Monday March 20, 2006**
	
Controlling chromosome interactions during meiosis: opportunities
	for mathematical modeling

Hong Ma

Department of Biology
Penn State University

Abstract:

Meiosis is an essential process of sexual reproduction in plants and 
animals, and leads to the generation of egg and sperm (germ cells). These 
cells contain half of the DNA as their progenitors, such that when they 
fuse to make the zygote (precursor of the embryo), a complete genetic 
constitution is restored. To generate germ cells from progenitors, a 
single round of DNA replication is followed by two rounds of nuclear 
division; equivalent copies of DNA molecules (of maternal and paternal 
origins) must then separate during meiosis. To ensure correct separation, 
the DNA molecules must first recognize each other and form stable a 
physical association.  At the same time, the chromosomes must condense 
from long and thin fibers into short and thick "rods" to facilitate 
separation.  Aspects of association and condensation are in conflict, and 
these must be resolved during meiosis. Several specific interactions occur 
to allow both association and condensation. Genes controlling these key 
processes will be described and models concerning some of the properties 
of these events will be briefly introduced. In addition, a number of 
questions that might be addressed using mathematical modeling will be 
presented.

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