ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the problems of fertility in humans that can be limited to an examination of various aspects of the meiotic process. This is a vital stage in the system by which normal and/or abnormal gametogenesis occurs in humans, leading to the production of male and female germ cells. In particular, the study of the pairing process between homologous human chromosomes at the prophase stage of meiosis can be examined for any subsequent effects on fertility. The fact that such synaptonemal complex (SC) appear of normal dimensions and structure suggests that the SC, per se, is not the mechanism of genetic exchange, as such heterologous pairing in plant haploid species, does not lead to chiasma formation or crossing over. It is important to realize with regard to human fertility that male and female meiosis, while being processes of similar function, i.e., the production of haploid gametes, are of a very different temporal nature.
