Sister chromatid cohesion and chromosomal segregation during cell division

DNA is packed into chromosomes. During cell division two daughter cells must receive identical sets of chromosomes containing the genetic information. Missing or extra copies of chromosomes might result in cell death and diseases, hence, complex cellular mechanisms ensure the equal distribution of genetic information during cell division. Scientists at the Friedrich Miescher Laboratory are trying to understand how the two halves of a chromosome are held together and subsequently are distributed to daughter cells.