Chromosomes abnormal configurations

Abnormal chromosome configurations are often caused by an effect on the spindle apparatus. This effect is attributed to an abnormal function or an absence of the spindle. Herbicides are known to induce both types of effects. Observations with the light microscope may not distinguish between the two possibilities. In this case, the electron microscope can be used to assess the presence or absence of microtubules. 

Electronmicroscopic analysis of the pachytene nuclei revealed no abnormalities of the synaptonemal complexes in either sex chromosomes or autosomes in all 30 analyzed spermatocytes from four control males (Table 2). Exposure to cat urine led to a significant increase in the number of males with chromosomal anomalies (3 out of 4 males Z2=4.80, p<0.01. Chi-square test). In 12.5% of spermatocytes (4 out of all 32 analyzed cells) abnormal SC configurations were found. (Z2=11.63, p<0.001 Chi-square test). The meiotic anomalies included terminal and interstitial autosomal asynapsis combined with nonhomologous pairing and sex chromosome dissociation (Table 2). 

---