Biochemical Mechanisms of Genetic Recombination and DNA Repair

Genetic recombination involves the exchange of genetic material between homologous sequences of DNA. It is employed during meiosis in sexually reproducing organisms or in somatic cells to accurately repair toxic DNA lesions like double-strand breaks and stalled replication forks. In these separate roles, recombination drives genetic diversity by enabling reshuffling of parental genetic information while also serving as a molecular safeguard against the deleterious effects of gross chromosomal rearrangements or mutagenic insults arising for either endogenous or exogenous reasons. In both cases, efficient recombination ensures faithful transmission of genetic information to subsequent generations. In this review, we provide an exploration of the biochemical mechanisms driving genetic recombination, elucidating the molecular intricacies of fundamental processes involved therein with a focus on mechanistic insights gained into these processes using biochemical and single-molecule techniques.