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. 2015 Oct 26;211(2):233–242. doi: 10.1083/jcb.201409035

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© 2015 Bohr et al.

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Figure 5. — Model for synapsis initiation and checkpoint satisfaction in C. elegans. A pair of chromosomes with PCs interact with proteins at the nuclear envelope, including SUN-1 and ZYG-12, to gain access to the cytoplasmic microtubule network and dynein. SAC components are presumed to function at PCs despite our inability to colocalize them. When a chromosome encounters another chromosome, homology is assessed by unknown mechanisms. If chromosomes are homologous and remain stably paired, they resist the pulling forces of the microtubule motor dynein, generating tension (black arrows between PCs) that is monitored by SAC components. Once sufficient tension has been generated (YES!), SAC components are removed, synapsis is initiated, and the checkpoint is silenced. If chromosomes are not homologous, they cannot resist the pulling forces of dynein, are pulled apart, and do not generate tension (NO!). Unsynapsed PCs initiate the synapsis checkpoint response. If unsynapsed chromosomes persist, these nuclei are removed by apoptosis.