Somatic Pairing in Drosophila virilis Mitosis

In neuroblast cells homologous chromosomes tend to pair during prophase of mitosis. Heterochromatic elements of homologous chromosomes are widely separated in very early prophase, at which time the euchromatin is poorly stained. Pairing is intimate for euchromatic portions of chromosomes in early and middle prophase with chiasmata frequently present. Homologous chromosomes most commonly lie side-by-side in late prophase and metaphase. Statistical data are presented to show the frequency of intimate pairing in prophase and side by side pairing in metaphase