Major component of the transverse filaments of synaptonemal complexes, formed between homologous chromosomes during meiotic prophase (By similarity). Has non-specific DNA binding capability. Structural component of synaptonemal complexes (By similarity). Homotetramer that potentially self-assembles into a supramolecular zipper-like lattice to mediate meiotic chromosome synapsis (By similarity). The nascent synapsis generated by SYCP1 is stabilized through interaction with central element proteins SYCE1 and SYCE2 (By similarity). Interacts with SPO16 (By similarity). In tripartite segments of synaptonemal complexes, between lateral elements in the nucleus. Found only where the chromosome cores are synapsed. Its N-terminus is found towards the center of the synaptonemal complex while the C-terminus extends well into the lateral domain of the synaptonemal complex. The molecule is in a coiled coil structure.