Abstract: The kinetochore is a key cell division organelle that enables highfidelity transmission of genetic information by coupling chromosomes to spindle microtubules during mitosis and meiosis. Despite its cytological description more than a century ago, remarkably little information is available on kinetochore function at a molecular level. Recently, important advances elucidating the overall organization of kinetochores, as well as information about the structures and molecular mechanisms of kinetochore function, have been achieved through a detailed analysis of the kinetochores of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here we review the current understanding of kinetochore function in budding yeast and draw comparisons to recent findings in other organisms. Expected online publication date for the Annual Review of Biochemistry Volume 76 is June 2, 2007. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/catalog/pubdates.aspx for revised estimates.