title: [The role of double-stranded DNA breaks in the mechanism of meiosis].
abstract: A review is given of recent publications devoted to the investigation of molecular mechanisms of meiosis. It is stated that double-strand breaks of chromosomal DNA, which can be successfully repaired during meiosis, are also the cause of meiotic conjugation of homologous chromosomes and of their genetic recombination (crossing-over). Arguments are presented that meiosis had historically arisen from the reparation of double-strands breaks of DNA during mitosis.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Gershenzon
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002875:Chromosomes; D003227:Conjugation, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D003434:Crossing Over, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics*; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000235:genetics*; D004260:DNA Repair / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008540:Meiosis / Q000235:genetics*; D011995:Recombination, Genetic / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D004247:DNA
vernacular_title: Rol' dvunitevykh razryvov DNK v mekhanizme meĭoza.