The events and tempo of mammalian meiosis show sexual dimorphism with gametogenic
context having a significant influence on both chromosome dynamics and cell cycle
transitions. However, although some regulators of the meiotic cell cycle may differ
between males and females, there appears to be extraordinary conservation of key components
in common with the mitotic cell cycle and between sexes in meiosis. Evidence is presented
for the existence of meiotic checkpoints that might modify or ameliorate cellular
error or damage by reproductive toxins. Although these checkpoints seem relatively
inefficient, they may be more so in female meiosis than in male meiosis. Insight into
mechanisms of meiotically acting reproductive toxins coupled with genetic models will
ultimately bring about understanding of the basic mechanisms of meiotic cell divisions
and chemically induced meiotic error.
Meiosis - cell cycle - checkpoints - gametogenesis - reproductive toxins
