摘要: The structure of chromosomes is largely determined by chromosome-associated proteins. Members the SMC (structural maintenance chromosomes) family play an important role in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosome dynamics. proteins are involved condensation, sister-chromatid cohesion, sex-chromosome dosage compensation, genetic recombination DNA repair. There have been major advances recently understanding function proteins--including identification biochemical activities SMC-containing protein complexes realization that individual might link seemingly unrelated aspects chromosomal metabolism.