Major component of the axial/lateral elements of synaptonemal complexes (SCS) during meiotic prophase (PubMed:9592139, PubMed:9933407). Plays a role in the assembly of synaptonemal complexes. Required for normal meiotic chromosome synapsis during oocyte and spermatocyte development and for normal male and female fertility. Required for insertion of SYCP3 into synaptonemal complexes. May be involved in the organization of chromatin by temporarily binding to DNA scaffold attachment regions. Requires SYCP3, but not SYCP1, in order to be incorporated into the axial/lateral elements. Component of the lateral elements of synaptonemal complexes (PubMed:9592139, PubMed:9933407). Interacts with TEX11 (By similarity). Heterodimer with SYCP3. Interacts with SYCP3, SMC1A and SMC3 (PubMed:10652260). In axial/lateral elements of the tripartite segments of synaptonemal complexes. Detected in spermatocytes and testis (at protein level) (PubMed:9592139, PubMed:9933407). Spermatocytes and oocytes. Meiotic prophase cells. Meiosis-specific. Highly expressed in meiotic prophase cells, low expression persists in spermatids. Phosphorylated. Belongs to the SYCP2 family.