The replication-recombination connection: insights from genomics.

One amazing characteristic of DNA processing enzymes is their breakneck speed. However, considering the metabolic traffic on DNA, it is not surprising that accidents that interrupt the replication process and require immediate repair occur. Recombination is an example of a repair mechanism, and as a result of accidents, the arrested or broken fork becomes the recombination substrate. Repair proteins are on hand to assist at accident sites, but responses may be sensitive to conditions and depend on the organism. Genomics has been used to identify genetic clues that indicate the occurrence of accidents and to detect sites of recombination. DNA and protein features that may affect replication and recombination are examined and discussed.