Synapsis

Synapsis

Synapsis
The recipient chromosome DNA unwinds and initiates pairing with the single-stranded donor DNA. This pairing or synapsis is the result of base pairing between donor and recipient DNAs. The donor ssDNA is homologous but not identical with the recipient ssDNA strand with which it pairs. This characteristic is essential for transformation, for an identical strand would not result in variation

Transformation is possible not only within a species, but sometimes also between species. In the latter case the requirement is that the DNA sequences of donor and recipient DNAs should be identical or similar. Because related species produce many of the same polypeptide, this condition is possible. Interspecific transformation is, however, relatively rare.

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