在减数分裂过程中，Spo11诱导的程序性DNA双链断裂（DSB），进而启动减数分裂重组使得同源染色体之间的遗传物质交换，极大地促进了遗传多样性。

More recently, researchers have been able to identify some of the molecular players in meiosis from biochemical analyses of meiotic chromosomes and from genetic studies of meiosis-specific mutants.