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Related Concept Videos

Homologous Recombination02:31

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 Conversion02:08

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...
Overview of Transposition and Recombination02:13

Overview of Transposition and Recombination

Transposons make up a significant part of genomes of various organisms. Therefore, it is believed that transposition played a major evolutionary role in speciation by changing genome sizes and modifying gene expression patterns. For example, in bacteria, transposition can lead to conferring antibiotic resistance. Movement of transposable elements within the genetic pool of pathogenic bacteria can aid in transfer of antibiotic-resistant genetic elements. In eukaryotes, transposons can carry out...
Conservative Site-specific Recombination and Phase Variation02:53

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...
Homologous Recombination02:31

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 Conversion02:08

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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Directional resolution of synthetic holliday structures by the Cre recombinase.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Quantitation and Analysis of the Formation of HO-Endonuclease Stimulated Chromosomal Translocations by Single-Strand Annealing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
09:40

Quantitation and Analysis of the Formation of HO-Endonuclease Stimulated Chromosomal Translocations by Single-Strand Annealing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Published on: September 23, 2011

Site-specific genetic recombination: hops, flips, and flops

P D Sadowski1

  • 1Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

FASEB Journal : Official Publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
|June 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

Genetic recombination drives DNA rearrangements in diverse organisms. This review details the biochemistry of transpositional and conservative site-specific recombination, highlighting DNA plasticity.

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Frequency and Distribution of Crossovers in Caenorhabditis elegans Meiosis by SNP Genotyping using Real-time PCR

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Last Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Quantitation and Analysis of the Formation of HO-Endonuclease Stimulated Chromosomal Translocations by Single-Strand Annealing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
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Frequency and Distribution of Crossovers in Caenorhabditis elegans Meiosis by SNP Genotyping using Real-time PCR
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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Genetic recombination is crucial for organisms from viruses to humans.
  • Contrary to the notion of stable chromosomes, DNA replicons are plastic and undergo frequent rearrangements.
  • Site-specific recombination is a major mechanism driving these DNA changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding the biochemistry of genetic recombination.
  • To focus on the two primary categories: transpositional and conservative site-specific recombination.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes current research and biochemical data.
  • Focuses on the molecular mechanisms of recombination enzymes and processes.

Main Results:

  • DNA replicons exhibit significant plasticity due to frequent recombination-induced rearrangements.
  • Transpositional recombination involves mobile genetic elements.
  • Conservative site-specific recombination mediates precise DNA exchanges at specific sites.

Conclusions:

  • Site-specific recombination is a fundamental process underlying DNA plasticity.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is key to comprehending genome stability and evolution.