Genetic recombination

Genetic recombination is the process by which the combination of genes in an organism's offspring becomes different from the combination of genes in that organism. This definition is commonly used in classical genetics, evolutionary biology, and population genetics.

Related Topics:
Gene - Genetics - Evolutionary biology - Population genetics

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However, in molecular biology, recombination generally refers to the molecular process by which alleles at two genes in a linkage group can become separated. In this process alleles are replaced by different alleles from the same genes thereby preserving the structure of genes. One mechanism leading to recombination is chromosomal crossing over. In analog fashion exchange of alleles is possible between homologous sites within one DNA molecule. If the structure of genes is changed in that process it is called unbalanced recombination. Enzymes called recombinases catalyze this reaction.

Related Topics:
Molecular biology - Alleles - Chromosomal - Crossing over - Homologous - DNA - Enzyme

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Recombination is the mechanism by which organisms avoid Muller's ratchet.

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