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Homologous Recombination

Homologous Recombination

The basic reaction of homologous recombination (HR) involves two chromatids that contain DNA sequences sharing a significant stretch of identity. One of these sequences uses a strand from another as a template to synthesize DNA in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. The final product is a novel amalgamation of the two substrates. To ensure an accurate recombination of sequences, HR is restricted to the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. At these stages, the DNA has been replicated already and the...

Gene Conversion

Gene Conversion

Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...

Conservative Site-specific Recombination and Phase Variation

Conservative Site-specific Recombination and Phase Variation

Because the DNA segments are cut and reorganized in a direction-specific manner, site-specific recombination has emerged as an efficient genetic engineering technique. Flippase and Cyclization recombinases or Flp and Cre, respectively, are two members of the tyrosine recombinase family derived from bacteriophages, that are used to mediate site-specific DNA insertions, deletions, and targeted expression of proteins in mammalian cell lines.
The recognition sites for Cre recombinase called LoxP...

Exon Recombination

Exon Recombination

The evolution of new genes is critical for speciation. Exon recombination, also known as exon shuffling or domain shuffling, is an important means of new gene formation. It is observed across vertebrates, invertebrates, and in some plants such as potatoes and sunflowers. During exon recombination, exons from the same or different genes recombine and produce new exon-intron combinations, which might evolve into new genes.
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...

Homologous Recombination

Homologous Recombination

The basic reaction of homologous recombination (HR) involves two chromatids that contain DNA sequences sharing a significant stretch of identity. One of these sequences uses a strand from another as a template to synthesize DNA in an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. The final product is a novel amalgamation of the two substrates. To ensure an accurate recombination of sequences, HR is restricted to the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. At these stages, the DNA has been replicated already and the...

Gene Conversion

Gene Conversion

Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 25, 2026

Molecular Evolution of the Tre Recombinase

Molecular Evolution of the Tre Recombinase

Published on: May 29, 2008

Therefore, what are recombination proteins there for?

J Courcelle¹, A K Ganesan, P C Hanawalt

¹Department of Biological Sciences; Mississippi State University, 39762, USA. jcourcelle@biology.msstate.edu

Bioessays : News and Reviews in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology

|May 8, 2001

Summary

The recA gene in E. coli is crucial for survival after DNA damage. Contrary to past beliefs, recA may primarily ensure DNA replication proceeds smoothly rather than promoting recombination for repair.

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Last Updated: Jul 25, 2026

Molecular Evolution of the Tre Recombinase

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Published on: May 29, 2008

Recombineering Homologous Recombination Constructs in Drosophila

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Published on: July 13, 2013

Preparation of the Mgm101 Recombination Protein by MBP-based Tagging Strategy

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Published on: June 25, 2013

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Genetics
Microbiology

Background:

The recA gene in E. coli is vital for cell survival when DNA is damaged.
recA was initially identified for its role in creating recombinant DNA molecules during bacterial conjugation.

Purpose of the Study:

To re-evaluate the function of the recA gene in light of new research.
To challenge the long-held assumption that recA's primary role in DNA repair is through recombination.

Main Methods:

Review of classical experiments on DNA repair by recombination.
Analysis of the known functions of recA-interacting processes like excision repair and translesion synthesis.

Main Results:

Excision repair and translesion synthesis ensure processive DNA replication without strand exchange.
The prevailing view that recA mainly promotes recombination during DNA repair may be inaccurate.

Conclusions:

Recombination might not be the most effective mechanism for rescuing cells with DNA damage.
recA's essential role could be maintaining processive replication, independent of promoting recombination.