Final answer:
Hop2 mutants exhibit correct chromosome pairing and axial associations, but cannot form synaptonemal complexes. This means the proteins that typically connect homologous chromosomes do not develop.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hop2 mutants are characterized by the absence of synaptonemal complexes. Synaptonemal complexes are protein lattices that form between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis. In normal cells, recombination nodules, which are protein assemblies, form on the synaptonemal complex and mediate the process of genetic recombination between non-sister chromatids. However, in hop2 mutants, correct pairing still occurs, axial associations are formed, but no synaptonemal complexes are formed. This means that while the chromosomes align properly and partial synapsis occurs, the protein lattices that typically form between the homologous chromosomes do not develop.