Evaluation of models of homologue search with respect to their efficiency on meiotic pairing

Abstract

We have constructed models of how homologous chromosomes come together at meiotic prophase for pairing and recombination. For these models we have calculated how many homology testing events are necessary on average to ensure that each chromosome finds its respective partner. We have identified several conditions that would greatly reduce the effort spent on homology search when compare with a search strategy which is based on fortuitous homologous contracts. The models are discussed in the light of experimental evidence.