In
syp-2(
ok307), SUN-1 aggregates extend into zone 5. Foci are even present until late pachytene (zone 6). Max- imum patch formation is observed from zones 24. While patch formation is slightly reduced as compared to that of the wild-type (an average of 1.4 patches is seen in zones 2 and 3 [SD = 0.9, n = 122]), SUN-1 foci are significantly more abun- dant in
syp-2(
ok307) (x = 3.4, SD = 2.2 in zones 2 and 3; Students t test, p = 6.33E-22). Foci are already seen upon entry into meiosis (zone 1) and reach a maximum in zone 4, concomitant with the start of disassembly of patches. Interestingly, while wild-type nuclei always display foci in addition to patches,
syp-2 nuclei in zones 24 can display foci without having patches.