Synaptonemal complex

Schematic of the synaptonemal complex at different stages during Prophase I
A Homologous chromosomes (light blue) align and synapse together via transverse filaments (black lines) and longitudinal filaments (dark blue). Recombination nodules (gray ellipsoids) on the central region may help in completing recombination. Chromatin (red loops) is attached to its sexual leg and toe, extending from both sister chromatids. B Top: Set of tomato SCs. Chromatin "sheaths" visible around each SC. Bottom: Two tomato SCs with the chromatin removed, allowing kinetochores ("ball-like" structures) at centromeres to be revealed.

The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a protein structure that forms between homologous chromosomes (two pairs of sister chromatids) during meiosis and is thought to mediate synapsis and recombination during prophase I during meiosis in eukaryotes. It is currently thought that the SC functions primarily as a scaffold to allow interacting chromatids to complete their crossover activities.[1]

  1. ^ Page SL, Hawley RS (2004-10-08). "The genetics and molecular biology of the synaptonemal complex". Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology. 20 (1): 525–58. doi:10.1146/annurev.cellbio.19.111301.155141. PMID 15473851.