Meiosis in the male Periplaneta americana

Abstract

Cytology of the common cockroach Periplaneta americana (Blattidae) dates back to 1909, and yet recent re-examination has not only brought to light interesting details, but also much controversy. It was therefore felt necessary to examine the locally available species of cockroaches with the view of understanding the intricacies of the problem. Absence of diplotene-diakinesis and chiasmata in meiosis in the male has been claimed and various explanations have been marshalled. But Lewis and John, taking into consideration all the aspects of indirect evidence, state that chiasmata might occur at the terminal ends of chromosomes and might terminalize rapidly.