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Related Concept Videos

Homologous Recombination02:31

Homologous Recombination

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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...
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Crossing Over01:30

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Crossing over is the exchange of genetic information between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis I. Genetic recombination gives rise to allelic diversity in the newly formed daughter cells. In humans, crossing over produces genetically distinct haploid egg and sperm cells that undergo fertilization to produce unique offspring. Before cell division starts, the germ cell’s chromosome(s) undergo duplication in the S phase of the cell cycle. As the cells enter prophase I,...
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Unlike mitosis, meiosis aims for genetic diversity in its creation of haploid gametes. Dividing germ cells first begin this process in prophase I, where each chromosome—replicated in S phase—is now composed of two sister chromatids (identical copies) joined centrally.
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Mismatch Repair01:20

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Organisms are capable of detecting and fixing nucleotide mismatches that occur during DNA replication. This sophisticated process requires identifying the new strand and replacing the erroneous bases with correct nucleotides. Mismatch repair is coordinated by many proteins in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
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Detection of Homologous Recombination Intermediates via Proximity Ligation and Quantitative PCR in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
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Is homologous recombination really an error-free process?

Josée Guirouilh-Barbat1, Sarah Lambert2, Pascale Bertrand3

  • 1CNRS, UMR 8200, Institut de Cancérologie Gustave Roussy, Équipe Labélisée, Université Paris-Sud, «LIGUE 2014» Villejuif, France.

Frontiers in Genetics
|June 27, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Homologous recombination (HR) maintains genetic stability and diversity but can be error-prone. This DNA repair process, while essential, can also lead to genome instability and mutagenesis, acting as a double-edged sword.

Keywords:
DNA double strand break repairHomologous recombinationgenetic instabilitygenetic variabilitymutagenesisreplication stress

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Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genomic Stability

Background:

  • Homologous recombination (HR) is a crucial DNA repair mechanism.
  • HR is generally considered error-free but evidence suggests it can be mutagenic.
  • The role of HR in maintaining genome integrity versus promoting mutations is complex.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the accuracy of homologous recombination.
  • To discuss the mechanisms and outcomes of HR during DNA repair and replication.
  • To explore the dual role of HR in genome stability and instability.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on HR mechanisms.
  • Analysis of genetic exchange products (gene conversion and crossing over).
  • Discussion of HR intermediates and their impact on DNA synthesis and mutagenesis.

Main Results:

  • HR can generate genome rearrangements through gene conversion and crossing over.
  • Abortive HR intermediates lead to genetic instability and cell toxicity.
  • HR can promote error-prone DNA synthesis and mutagenesis, especially on single-stranded DNA.

Conclusions:

  • HR is a double-edged sword, balancing genome stability with the risk of mutations.
  • Mechanisms protecting against excessive HR highlight its potential dangers.
  • The mutagenicity of HR compared to non-homologous end joining warrants re-evaluation.