Replaces the SCC1 mitosis-specific cohesin to ensure sister chromatid cohesion during meiosis (PubMed:10412984, PubMed:10691741, PubMed:11081626, PubMed:11163190, PubMed:12101124, PubMed:12663816, PubMed:12665553, PubMed:12717442, PubMed:15062096, PubMed:15120066, PubMed:15819623, PubMed:16027219, PubMed:9784122). Is cleaved by ESP1 shortly before the first meiotic division, and dissociates from chromatin, allowing sister chromatids to segregate (PubMed:11081626). Is protected from cleavage by SPO13 (PubMed:15620644). Promotes localization of the LINC complex subunit MPS3 on nuclear envelope in mitotic cells (PubMed:30417519). Localizes at chromosome cores during pachytene. Disappears from chromosome arms shortly before the first meiotic division, but persists in the vincinity of centromeres until the onset of anaphase II. During meiosis. Proteolytically cleaved by ESP1. Phosphorylated by CDC5. CDC5 phosphorylation is necessary for cleavage by ESP1 and subsequent removal from chromosome arms. Belongs to the rad21 family.