EVALUATION OF MODELS OF HOMOLOG SEARCH WITH RESPECT TO THEIR EFFICIENCY ON MEIOTIC PAIRING

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 compared with a search strategy which is based on fortuitous homologous contacts. The models are discussed in the light of experimental evidence.