What is the Difference Between Bivalent and Synaptonemal Complex?

The main difference between a bivalent and a synaptonemal complex lies in their composition and function. Here are the key differences:

Bivalent: A bivalent is an association between two homologous chromosomes from different parents, consisting of two chromosomes and four chromatids. It is formed during the prophase I of meiosis and helps in the recombination between homologous chromosomes. Bivalents play a crucial role in the accurate segregation of chromosomes during meiosis.
Synaptonemal Complex: A synaptonemal complex is a tripartite proteinaceous structure found around the homologous chromosomes. It is composed of three proteins: SYCP-1, SYCP-2, and SYCP-3. The formation of the synaptonemal complex aids in the synapsis and recombination of homologous chromosomes. It promotes genetic diversity through crossing over.

In summary:

A bivalent is an association of two homologous chromosomes, while a synaptonemal complex is a proteinaceous structure around homologous chromosomes.
Bivalents are composed of two homologous chromosomes, while synaptonemal complexes are composed of three proteins.
Bivalents facilitate genetic mixing between homologous chromosomes, while synaptonemal complexes promote genetic recombination.

On this page

What is the Difference Between Bivalent and Synaptonemal Complex?

Comparative Table: Bivalent vs Synaptonemal Complex

Here is a table comparing the differences between bivalent and synaptonemal complex:

Feature	Bivalent	Synaptonemal Complex
Definition	An association between two homologous chromosomes from two different parents.	A tripartite proteinaceous structure found around the homologous chromosomes.
Composition	Composed of two homologous chromosomes, i.e., four chromatids.	Composed of three proteins: SYCP-1, SYCP-2, and SYCP-3.
Role	Helps in the recombination between homologous chromosomes and ensures correct chromosome segregation during anaphase I.	Promotes homologous chromosome pairing, synapsis, and recombination.
Formation	The association of homologous chromosomes forms the bivalent during the prophase I of meiosis.	The synaptonemal complex is the initial step in forming the bivalent and begins to assemble around the chromosomes at the leptotene stage.
Structure	The bivalent structure consists of two homologous chromosomes joined at a point called chiasmata.	The synaptonemal complex has a tripartite structure with a central element and two parallel lateral regions, showing a characteristic ladder-like organization.

Both the bivalent and synaptonemal complex are involved in meiosis and play crucial roles in chromosome segregation and genetic recombination.

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.