Three dimensional reconstruction of quadrivalents and mapping of translocation breakpoints of the mouse translocations T(2;8) 26H and T(9;17)138Ca.

Three dimensional reconstruction from electron micrographs of serial sections reveals 18 synaptonemal complexes and a cross-shaped quadrivalent in the mouse pachytene oocytes of the heterozygous reciprocal translocations T(2;8)26H and T(9;17)138Ca. The unambiguous identification of translocation breakpoints on the quadrivalents has allowed the mapping of the translocation breakpoints on the chromosomes. The translocation breakpoints of T(2;8)26H are mapped at 73% and 45% from the telocentric centromeres of chromosomes 2 and 8, while those of T(9;17)138Ca are mapped at 41% and 45% from the telocentric centromeres of chromosomes 9 and 17 respectively. This report represents the first study of serial section reconstruction of a mammalian oocyte.