Zhang, LiangranLiang, ZhangyiHutchinson, JohnKleckner, Nancy2014-03-112014Zhang, Liangran, Zhangyi Liang, John Hutchinson, and Nancy Kleckner. 2014. “Crossover Patterning by the Beam-Film Model: Analysis and Implications.” PLoS Genetics 10 (1): e1004042. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1004042. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1004042.1553-7390http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:11879819Crossing-over is a central feature of meiosis. Meiotic crossover (CO) sites are spatially patterned along chromosomes. CO-designation at one position disfavors subsequent CO-designation(s) nearby, as described by the classical phenomenon of CO interference. If multiple designations occur, COs tend to be evenly spaced. We have previously proposed a mechanical model by which CO patterning could occur. The central feature of a mechanical mechanism is that communication along the chromosomes, as required for CO interference, can occur by redistribution of mechanical stress. Here we further explore the nature of the beam-film model, its ability to quantitatively explain CO patterns in detail in several organisms, and its implications for three important patterning-related phenomena: CO homeostasis, the fact that the level of zero-CO bivalents can be low (the “obligatory CO”), and the occurrence of non-interfering COs. Relationships to other models are discussed.en-USBiologyJournal Article2014-03-1110.1371/journal.pgen.1004042