[The role of double-stranded DNA breaks in the mechanism of meiosis].

A review is given of recent publications devoted to the investigation of molecular mechanisms of meiosis. It is stated that double-strand breaks of chromosomal DNA, which can be successfully repaired during meiosis, are also the cause of meiotic conjugation of homologous chromosomes and of their genetic recombination (crossing-over). Arguments are presented that meiosis had historically arisen from the reparation of double-strands breaks of DNA during mitosis.