Synaptonemal complexes (SCs) are zipper-like structures which are asse
mbled between homologous chromosomes during the prophase of the first
meiotic division. Their assembly and disassembly correlate with the su
ccessive chromatin rearrangements of meiotic prophase, namely the cond
ensation, pairing, recombination and disjunction of homologous chromos
omes. It was originally thought that SCs created the preconditions for
the homologous crossing over of chromosomes by bringing corresponding
parts of homologous chromosomes in close apposition. However, this vi
ew has been gradually undermined during recent years, and ideas about
the roles of SCs have radically changed. SCs are now considered to be
structures that both control the number and distribution of reciprocal
exchanges between homologous chromosomes (cross-overs) and convert cr
oss-overs into functional chiasmata. How SCs fulfil these roles remain
s to be elucidated.