Required for formation of the SPO11-mediated double-strand breaks (DSBs) that initiate meiotic recombination. May mediate the interaction between SPO11 subunits during meiosis. Also needed for homolog chromosome pairing, synaptonemal complex formation, and for the proper timing of the first meiotic division. Not required for mitosis and mitotic DNA repair mechanisms. Interacts with REC104; seems to form a functional unit with REC104. REC102-REC104 interacts with SKI8-SPO11 and this interaction is required for proper subcellular location of the proteins during the initiation of recombination. Interacts with MEI4, REC114 and SPO11. Associates with chromatin during prophase. Recruitment to chromatin depends on REC104, SPO11 and SKI8. Meiosis-specific. mRNA is spliced only during meiosis. Reduces meiotic recombination several hundred fold. Specifically affects meiosis, and does not have any detectable mitotic phenotype. Despite weak sequence similarities, may correspond to the subunit B of a SPO11-containing topoisomerase 6 complex specifically required for meiotic recombination. Retains some of the structural features of the ancestral archaeal Top6B subunit (AC O05207). Belongs to the TOP6B-like family.