Sister chromatid separation and the metaphase-anaphase transition in mouse oocytes

Two experiments analyzing the impact of suppression of chromatid separation and protein synthesis on the metaphase to anaphase transition and maturation promoting factor (MPF) functions reveal that suppression of the former blocks the transition while that of the latter reduces MPF functions. Protein synthesis and chromatid separation suppression do not affect meiotic progression and MPF functions, respectively, indicating the specific effects of the two processes. The escape of the oocytes from metaphase arrest with cycloheximids and etoposide indicates the gradual decline in MPF functions to basal levels due to normal protein turnover.