From meiosis to postmeiotic events: alignment and recognition of homologous chromosomes in meiosis.
Recombination of homologous chromosomes is essential for correct reductional segregation of homologous chromosomes, which characterizes meiosis. To accomplish homologous recombination, chromosomes must find their homologous partners and pair with them within the spatial constraints of the nucleus. Although various mechanisms have developed in different organisms, two major steps are involved in the process of pairing: first, alignment of homologous chromosomes to bring them close to each other for recognition; and second, recognition of the homologous partner of each chromosome so that they can form an intimate pair. Here, we discuss the various mechanisms used for alignment and recognition of homologous chromosomes in meiosis.
Ding
Da-Qiao
DQ
Kobe Advanced ICT Research Center, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Kobe, Japan.
Haraguchi
Tokuko
T
Hiraoka
Yasushi
Y
D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000235:genetics; D023902:Chromosome Pairing / Q000502:physiology*; D015825:Chromosomes, Fungal / Q000502:physiology; D008540:Meiosis / Q000502:physiology*; D011995:Recombination, Genetic / Q000502:physiology*; D012568:Schizosaccharomyces / Q000235:genetics