[Perspective] When degradation spurs segregation

Each cell entering the meiotic divisions that ultimately generate eggs and sperm initiates a complex series of events that bring homologous chromosomes together to ensure their correct subsequent segregation. Anomalies in this process result in changes to chromosome number that are detrimental to life. Central to meiosis in most organisms is the exchange of DNA sequences between homologous chromosomes. These recombination events begin with the formation of programmed breaks in the DNA and can be