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The separation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis in eukaryotesis the physical basis of Mendelian inheritance. The core ofthe meiotic process is a specialized nuclear division (meiosisI) in which homologs pair with each other, recombine, and thensegregate from each other. The processes of chromosome alignmentand pairing allow for homolog recognition. Reciprocal meioticrecombination ensures meiotic chromosome segregation by convertingsister chromatid cohesion into mechanisms that hold homologouschromosomes together. Finally, the ability of sister kinetochoresto orient to a single pole at metaphase I allows the separationof homologs to two different daughter cells. Failures to properlyaccomplish this elegant chromosome dance result in aneuploidy,a major cause of miscarriage and birth defects in human beings.
Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA.
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: rsh{at}stowers-institute.org
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