Chromosome dynamics during the G2/M transition in meiosis

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During the production of sperm and eggs, cells have to half the number of chromosomes, otherwise the resulting foetus will contain too many. This requires a specialized cell division where chromosomes first find their partner and then split from them- a marriage followed by divorce. How do cells ensure that each egg or sperm contains exactly one full set of chromosomes, 23 in the case of humans? Chromosomes pair on the basis of sequence identity and form specialized connections called chiasmata that look like the Greek letter chi under the microscope. Pairing and the formation of chiasmata is facilitated by a structure called the synaptonemal complex; when chiasmata form the synaptonemal complex is broken down and cells get ready to split up the chromosome pairs. We are investigating how the breakdown of the synaptonemal complex is facilitated and how is it coordinated with formation of chiasmata. To this end, we use baker‘s yeast as a model organism. Baker‘s yeast has provided valuable insight into how chiasmata and the synaptonemal complex are formed and we expect that some of the basic principles that govern its breakdown will also be relevant in humans.