The cell cycle process in which the synaptonemal complex is formed. This is a structure that holds paired chromosomes together during prophase I of meiosis and that promotes genetic recombination. [ISBN:0198506732]
The cell cycle process in which double strand breaks are formed and repaired through a single or double Holliday junction intermediate. This results in the equal exchange of genetic material between non-sister chromatids in a pair of homologous chromosomes. These reciprocal recombinant products ensure the proper segregation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I and create genetic diversity. [PMID:2087779]