Synapse vs. Synapsis — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 15, 2024
Synapse refers to the junction between two neurons for signal transmission, while synapsis involves the pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.
Difference Between Synapse and Synapsis
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A synapse is a functional structure in the nervous system where neurons communicate by transmitting chemical or electrical signals. In contrast, synapsis is a critical cellular process in genetics, occurring during the first phase of meiosis.
Synapses are essential for neural communication, enabling the brain and nervous system to function, whereas synapsis facilitates genetic recombination and proper segregation of chromosomes.
The structure of a synapse includes a presynaptic ending containing neurotransmitters, a postsynaptic ending with receptor sites, and a synaptic cleft. On the other hand, synapsis involves the close pairing of homologous chromosomes, facilitated by a protein structure called the synaptonemal complex.
Synapses can be either chemical or electrical, depending on how signals are transferred between neurons. Meanwhile, synapsis specifically refers to the physical connection of chromosomes through crossover events that promote genetic diversity.
The effectiveness and efficiency of a synapse can be altered in various ways, such as by diseases or drugs, impacting neural communication. Synapsis, however, is a highly regulated part of meiosis, critical for successful reproduction and genetic variability in offspring.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Junction between two neurons for signal transmission
Pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis
Main Function
Neural communication
Genetic recombination and chromosome segregation
Structural Components
Presynaptic ending, synaptic cleft, postsynaptic ending
Synaptonemal complex, homologous chromosomes
Type
Chemical or electrical
Cellular process during meiosis
Impact of Alterations
Can affect brain function and behavior
Affects genetic diversity and reproductive success
Compare with Definitions
Synapse
A structure featuring a synaptic cleft and neurotransmitter release.
Neurotransmitters cross the synapse to send signals.
Synapsis
Involves the formation of a synaptonemal complex.
The complex stabilizes chromosome pairs during synapsis.
Synapse
Occurs in all nervous systems of multicellular organisms.
Synapses are crucial for reflex actions in humans.
Synapsis
A process during meiosis where homologous chromosomes pair up.
Synapsis is essential for genetic diversity.
Synapse
Critical for neural integration and signal transmission.
Memory formation relies on the function of multiple synapses.
Synapsis
Ensures chromosomes segregate properly during meiosis.
Errors in synapsis can lead to genetic disorders.
Synapse
A point of communication between two neurons.
The synapse ensures the brain can control body movements.
Synapsis
Occurs specifically during prophase I of meiosis.
Synapsis precedes the separation of homologs.
Synapse
Can be electrical or chemical in nature.
Electrical synapses are faster than chemical ones.
Synapsis
Synapsis (also called harsha) is the pairing of two chromosomes that occurs during meiosis. It allows matching-up of homologous pairs prior to their segregation, and possible chromosomal crossover between them.
Synapse
In the nervous system, a synapse is a structure that permits a neuron (or nerve cell) to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron or to the target effector cell. Synapses are essential to the transmission of nervous impulses from one neuron to another.
Synapsis
The side-by-side association of homologous chromosomes during the first prophase of meiosis.
Synapse
A junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter.
Synapsis
The association of homologous maternal and paternal chromosomes during the initial part of meiosis.
Synapse
The junction across which a nerve impulse passes from an axon terminal to a neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell.
Synapsis
Alternative form of synapse
Synapse
To form a synapse.
Synapsis
The side by side pairing of homologous maternal and paternal chromosomes at the start of meiosis
Synapse
To undergo synapsis.
Synapse
The junction between the terminal of a neuron and either another neuron or a muscle or gland cell, over which nerve impulses pass.
Synapse
(intransitive) To form a synapse.
Synapse
(intransitive) To undergo synapsis.
Synapse
The junction between two neurons (axon-to-dendrite) or between a neuron and a muscle;
Nerve impulses cross a synapse through the action of neurotransmitters
Common Curiosities
What is a synapse?
A synapse is the point of communication between two neurons, where signals are transmitted.
What occurs during synapsis?
During synapsis, homologous chromosomes pair up, aligning closely to exchange genetic material.
Can the function of a synapse be modified?
Yes, the function of synapses can be altered by factors like neurotransmitter levels and receptor sensitivity.
Is synapsis a target for any medical treatments?
Synapsis itself is not typically a direct target for treatments, but understanding its mechanisms can help in addressing genetic disorders.
How do synapses differ in function from synapsis?
Synapses facilitate neural communication, while synapsis is involved in genetic recombination during meiosis.
What is the significance of the synaptonemal complex in synapsis?
The synaptonemal complex helps in the stable pairing and genetic recombination of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.
Are synapses visible under a microscope?
While synapses are not typically visible under a light microscope, they can be studied with electron microscopy.
What are the types of synapses?
Synapses can be either chemical, where neurotransmitters are involved, or electrical, where ions pass directly between cells.
How does synapsis contribute to genetic diversity?
Synapsis allows for crossover events between homologous chromosomes, leading to new combinations of genetic material.
What happens if synapsis does not occur properly?
Improper synapsis can result in errors like nondisjunction, leading to disorders such as Down syndrome.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
