Meiosis mutant screening

Identification of mutants defective in meiotic recombination have been particularly informative about meiosis analysis of such mutants has revealed that genetic recombination is essential for proper chromosome segregation (reviewed in Hawley, 1987). Several mutant screens have been developed that look for mutants... 

All of these methods identify mutations that disturb the formation of spores severely, showing defects in either entry into meiosis, meiotic chromosome behavior, or spore morphogenesis (and, for the ether test, germination). As with any good mutant hunt, secondary screens to identify mutants specifically defective in a particular aspect of meiosis must be established. For instance, ether sensitivity could reflect spore inviability due to chromosome missegregation or could be due to defects in spore wall assembly. Direct spore dissection of candidate mutants can distinguish between these two possibilities. 

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