Formation and development of synaptonemal polycomplexes in spermatocytes and spermatids of Kalotermes flavicollis (Fabr.) (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae)

Multiple arrays of stacked synaptonemal complex-likestructures (policomplexes, PCs), made of a series of dense plates intercaleted by a central elements connected to the bands by trasverse fiber, are described in the spermatogenesis of kalotermes flavicollis. Short fragments of double complexes, connected to chromatin, already appear at the beginning of pachytene. In the following prophasic stages such structure increase insize and are confined to cell borders. the greatest size is reached atbthe spermatidial stages and during spermiogenesis the coplexes disintegrate. The role and the dvelopment of the polycomplexes are discussed.