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Chromosome dynamics during meiosis
Author(s) -
Dernburg Abby F,
Phillips Carolyn M,
Sato Aya
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.396.3
Subject(s) - meiosis , biology , chromosome segregation , homologous chromosome , genetics , chromosome , homologous recombination , cohesin , sexual reproduction , genetic recombination , evolutionary biology , recombination , dna , gene
Meiosis is the specialized cell division that enables organisms to carry out sexual reproduction. This process involves a series of tightly coordinated events in which chromosomes pair with their homologous partners, undergo crossover recombination, and eventually separate from each other. To accomplish this feat, chromosomes form de novo attachments to the nuclear envelope. These chromosome dynamics were first described in the early 20 th century, but their functional significance was unknown. We have been investigating meiotic chromosome behavior in the nematode C. elegans. Genetic studies led us to identify an essential family of zinc finger proteins that recognize specific regions on each of the chromosomes These chromosome regions associate with a protein complex that bridges the nuclear envelope to engage with microtubules in the cytoplasm. Based on analysis of the resulting motion of the chromosomes, we hypothesize that these dynamics provide a kinetic proofreading mechanism that enables chromosomes to identify their proper partners.