Meiosis is a specialized cell division used by all sexually reproducing species to generate gametes (eggs and sperm). A critical feature of meiosis is the physical exchange of DNA between parental chromosomes – a process called recombination. Perturbations in the activity of the molecular machinery that executes recombination can result in chromosome balance aberrations or cancer. Enormous progress has been made in understanding the molecular genetics of meiotic recombination, but less is understood about the influence of environmental signals. Copenhaver will present recent research results that help create an integrated view of environmental and genetic control of meiotic recombination.