Anaphase DNA bridges induced by lack of RecQ5 in Drosophila syncytial embryos

► Abnormal nuclei were clustered in syncytial Drosophila embryos obtained from homozygous recq5 mutant females. ► Abnormal nuclei were generated clonally in syncytial recq5 embryos. ► Anaphase-bridge structure results in exit from the nuclear cycle in syncytial recq5 embryos. ► DNA-bridges in anaphase induced by lack of maternal RecQ5. ► Abnormal nuclei were eliminated by Chk2-related DSB checkpoint in syncytial recq5 embryos.