The gamma delta resolvase induces an unusual DNA structure at the recombinational crossover point

gamma delta resolvase, a transposon-encoded protein active in site-specific recombination, induces a structural change in the DNA at the recombinational crossover point that results in enhanced intercalation of the foot-printing reagent MPE X Fe(II). The structural change correlates with the formation of a bend in the DNA: a mutant resolvase that binds to the crossover site but induces little or no bend does not promote intercalation. The properties of the mutant protein suggest that the induced structural change, which we propose is a localized kink, is required for recombination.