The centromere complex is a multicomponent structure essential for fai
thful chromosome transmission. Here we show that the S.cerevisiae cent
romere protein Cpf1 bends centromere DNA element I (CDEI) with the ben
d angle ranging from 66-degrees to 71-degrees. CDEI DNA sequences that
carry point mutations which lead to reduced Cpf1 binding affinity and
in vivo centromere activity are still able to show bending. The Cpf1
induced bend is directed towards the major groove with the bend centre
located in CDEI. An intrinsic bend cannot replace the Cpf1 induced DN
A bend for in vivo centromere function. An in vivo phasing experiment
suggests that both the distance and the correct spatial arrangement of
the CDEI/Cpf1 complex to CDEII and CDEIII are important for optimal c
entromere function.