Chromosome ends have been implicated in the meiotic processes of the n
ematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Cytological observations have shown th
at chromosome ends attach to the nuclear membrane and adopt kinetochor
e functions. In this organism, centromeric activity is highly regulate
d, switching from multiple spindle attachments all along the chromosom
e during mitotic division to a single attachment during meiosis. C. el
egans chromosomes are functionally monocentric during meiosis. Earlier
genetic studies demonstrated that the terminal regions of the chromos
omes are not equivalent in their meiotic potentials. There are asymmet
ries in the abilities of the ends to recombine when duplicated or dele
ted. In addition, mutations in single genes have been identified that
mimic the meiotic effects of a terminal truncation of the X chromosome
. The recent cloning and characterization of the C. elegans telomeres
has provided a starting point for the study of chromosomal elements me
diating the meiotic process.