DNA RECOMBINATION

DNA RECOMBINATION

Any in vivo or in vitro process involving the re-

arrangement of sequence(s) of nucleotides in one or
more molecules of nucleic acid – DNA
RECOMBINATION

These include events such as e.g. deletions,

inversions, replacements and amalgamations.

Any molecule that has undergone such a process is

referred to as a recombinant.
 DNA RECOMBINATION

Recombination involve in crossing over in meiosis

Homologous Recombination

Site-Specific Recombination

Transpositional Recombination
 DNA RECOMBINATION

Homologous Recombination

A type of recombination which requires an extensive

region of sequence homology between the two
participating duplexes, most commonly, between two
copies of the same chromosome.
 DNA RECOMBINATION

e.g. The exchange of sections of homologous

chromosomes (homologs) in the course of meiosis,
an event that occurs between chromosomes early in
the development of eggs and sperm.
 DNA RECOMBINATION

General recombination has the effect of increasing

the diversity of gene combinations on the
chromosome of the mating populations.

Thereby increasing the chances of survival in a

changing environment.
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Mechanism:

Two homologous DNA double helices are broken

and the two broken ends are rejoined to their
opposite partners to reform two intact helices, each
of which contains parts of both of the initial DNA
molecules.
The breakage and reunion of two homologous DNA
double helices creates two chromosomes that have
crossed over
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Mechanism:

The site of exchange can occur anywhere in the

homologous nucleotide sequences of the
participating chromosomes.
 DNA RECOMBINATION

Mechanism:

At the site of exchange, a strand of one helix has

become base-paired to a strand of the second helix
to create a staggered joint between the two different
DNA helices.
A staggered joint unites two chromosomes where
they have crossed over.
 DNA RECOMBINATION

Mechanism:

No nucleotide sequences are altered at the place of

exchange; the breaking and reunion process is so
precise that not a single nucleotide is lost, gained or
changed.
Schematic illustration. A nick in a single DNA strand frees the
strand, which then invades the second helix to form a short
pairing region. Only two DNA molecules that are
complementary in nucleotide sequence can base-pair to
initiate a recombination event
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Mechanism:

Agents known to introduce such nicks into DNA

strands, such as gamma or x-irradiation, can trigger
a genetic recombination event.

Special proteins enable DNA single strands to pair

with a homologous region of DNA double helix.
The binding of a helix-destabilising protein prepares
a DNA single strand for base-pairing interactions.
DNA renaturation occurs, helix reformation depends on the
random collision of two complementary strands, leading to
helix nucleation (complementary bp are formed). A rapid
zippering then occurs to complete each helix. Trial-and error
recognition of complementary sequences.
 DNA RECOMBINATION

Zippering

Ongoing (progressive and rapid) hybridization of

pairs of nucleotides in two complementary strands of
nucleic acid after the initial phase of binding between
a few pairs of bases (Kinetics of duplex formation for
individual strands)
Studies in vitro have demonstrated that helix
destabilising protein (SSB protein) cooperates with
the Rec A protein to facilitate pairing reactions.
 The isomerization of a cross-strand exchange

Without isomerization,
the cutting of the two
crossing strands
terminates the
exchange without
With crossing over.
isomerization, the
cutting of the two
crossing strands
creates two
chromosomes that
have crossed
over.
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Site-specific recombination (SSR)

A form of recombination between specific dsDNA

sequences in the same molecule, or in different
molecules, in which there is neither synthesis nor
degradation of DNA. This is an ATP independent
process and is mediated by a site-specific
RECOMBINASE.

In this case, the two sequences of dsDNA that are

recognized by a given recombinase are not
necessarily identical.
 Site-specific recombination

Insertion of bacteriophage
lambda DNA into the
E.coli host chromosome.

The specific sites (attP,

not being identical to the
bacterial site attB)
recognised by the
integrase are DNA
sequences shown as
coloured squares.
Transpositional Recombination

The movement of a transposable genetic

element within a chromosome.

The movement occurs without

displacement of the DNA sequence from its
original site.

Recombination enzymes act to move the

DNA sequences between the ends into and
out of chromosomes.

It seems likely that they have been

responsible for many evolutionary
important changes in genomes