Component of the cohesin complex, a complex required for the cohesion of sister chromatids after DNA replication. The cohesin complex apparently forms a large proteinaceous ring within which sister chromatids can be trapped. At anaphase, the scc-1 subunit of the complex is cleaved and dissociates from chromatin, allowing sister chromatids to segregate. The cohesin complex may also play a role in spindle pole assembly during mitosis. Plays an essential role in cell division during embryonic development. Required for the assembly of the synaptonemal complex between homologous chromosomes to promote sister chromatid cohesion during mitosis and meiosis. Has a role in stabilization of homologous chromosome associations during meiotic synapsis. Required for chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis. Plays a role in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair during meiotic recombination and promotes the assembly of the 9-1-1 cell-cycle checkpoint response complex which is required for inducing apoptosis in response to DNA damage, at DNA damage sites