Genetic recombination is the formation of new arrangements of genetic information through exchange or rejoining of DNA segments. Homology-directed processes can begin at DNA breaks or gaps and coordinate strand exchange with repair or renewed DNA replication [1]. Recombination proteins form nucleoprotein filaments that promote pairing of related sequences and invasion of an intact DNA duplex [2]. At the chromosome level, recombination changes associations among alleles at different loci, reshuffling the combinations transmitted to descendants. Site-specific systems act at particular recognition sequences, where recombinases cleave and reconnect DNA strands to generate integration, excision, or inversion [3][4]. The participating sequences, their orientation, and the processing of DNA intermediates determine the resulting arrangement. Regulatory interactions restrict the timing and location of these molecular reactions [5].
- DNA rearrangement
- strand exchange
- recombinases
- genetic variation
Evolution and Genetic Dynamics·Genetics·Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology·Life Sciences
References
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