HOMOLOGOUS RECOMBINATION Meaning and
Definition
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Homologous recombination refers to a process in which two DNA molecules swap genetic material with each other. It involves the exchange of genetic material or segments between two DNA molecules that are similar or identical in their nucleotide sequence. This process occurs naturally in cells and is crucial for genetic diversity, DNA repair, and maintaining genetic stability.
During homologous recombination, an enzyme called RecA (or Rad51 in eukaryotes) plays a key role in catalyzing the exchange of DNA strands. The process begins with the generation of single-stranded DNA tails through the unwinding or nicking of the DNA molecules. These single-stranded tails then seek out their complementary sequence present on the other DNA molecule. The RecA protein binds the single-stranded tails and catalyzes the strand invasion, leading to recombination.
Homologous recombination is essential for various biological processes. It repairs DNA damage, such as double-strand breaks, and prevents the accumulation of mutations. It also facilitates the accurate segregation of chromosomes during cell division. Additionally, it plays a significant role in creating genetic diversity during sexual reproduction, as it allows the exchange of genetic material between chromosomes from the mother and father.
Mutations or defects in the homologous recombination process can lead to various genetic disorders, including cancer predisposition syndromes. Manipulating homologous recombination has become a valuable tool in genetic engineering, gene therapy, and biotechnology applications to achieve targeted gene modifications and DNA integration.
Common Misspellings for HOMOLOGOUS RECOMBINATION
- gomologous recombination
- bomologous recombination
- nomologous recombination
- jomologous recombination
- uomologous recombination
- yomologous recombination
- himologous recombination
- hkmologous recombination
- hlmologous recombination
- hpmologous recombination
- h0mologous recombination
- h9mologous recombination
- honologous recombination
- hokologous recombination
- hojologous recombination
- homilogous recombination
- homklogous recombination
- homllogous recombination
- homplogous recombination
- hom0logous recombination
Etymology of HOMOLOGOUS RECOMBINATION
The word "homologous recombination" has its roots in the Latin and Greek languages.
The term "homologous" comes from the Greek word "homologos", which is a combination of "homo" meaning "same" and "logos" meaning "word" or "relation". It refers to something that has a similar relation or corresponds to something else. In molecular biology, homologous refers to regions of DNA that have a similar sequence, usually derived from a common ancestor.
"Recombination", on the other hand, has its origins in the Latin word "recombinare", which means "to combine again". In genetics, recombination refers to the process of exchange of genetic material between two chromosomes, leading to the creation of new combinations of genetic traits.
Therefore, "homologous recombination" refers to the process of genetic material exchange between two similar or homologous chromosomes.
