The REC102 protein is required for formation of the SPO11-mediated double-strand breaks (DSBs) that initiate meiotic recombination. May mediate the interaction between SPO11 subunits during meiosis [2]. Also needed for homolog chromosome pairing, synaptonemal complex formation, and for the proper timing of the first meiotic division. Not required for mitosis and mitotic DNA repair mechanisms.

1: Molecular and genetic analysis of the yeast early meiotic recombination genes REC102 and REC107/MER2. Cool M, Malone RE; Mol Cell Biol. 1992;12:1248-1256. PMID:1545806

2: Functional interactions between SPO11 and REC102 during initiation of meiotic recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Kee K, Keeney S; Genetics. 2002;160:111-122. PMID:11805049