cohesin complex

Function

• required for cohesion of sister chromatids after DNA replication
• apparently forms a large proteinaceous ring within which sister chromatids can be trapped
• at anaphase, the complex is cleaved & dissociates from chromatin, allowing sister chromatids to segregate
• a meiosis-specific cohesin complex replaces mitosis specific cohesin complex when it dissociates from chromatin during prophase 1

Structure

• subunits include:
  • STAG3, SMC1 (SMC1L1 or SMC1L2), SMC3, RAD21, REC8

More general terms

• molecular complex