Genetic recombination: what is and types

Genetic recombination is the process in which new DNA is formed from a Combination of two genetic sequences. The new DNA will be unique and will contain combined information from the progenitor sequences.

There are different types of genetic recombination that we will review later and, therefore, recombination can occur in different places from different organisms. These places are:

• Eukaryotic cells: During the prophase of meiosis I for the production of gametes. Here, the strands of the chromosomes are mudded to create the new DNA. Here you can find more information about the difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell.
• In bacteria and viruses: In this case we find three types of mechanisms. The transformation Receive exogenous DNA fragments to exchange genetic information with the receiver. Conjugation It occurs between two bacteria through sexual PILI, a type of connection that occurs between two cells, one is a donor of genetic material and another is a receiver. Finally, Transduction It occurs when a virus transfers genetic information between bacteria, without the need for bacteria to communicate with each other to exchange information. This is how recombination also takes place during infection of bacterial plasmids or viruses. If you want to know the difference between viruses and bacteria, do not hesitate to take a look at this other ecology article that we recommend.

The recombination process includes different types. We will review one by one to make this important process better.

As we have mentioned in the previous section, there are different types of genetic recombination. Therefore, then we will detail them one by one.

Homologous recombination

This type of recombination occurs when sperm and ovules are formed, in meiosis, and with extensively homologous genetic sequences. During this process, female and male chromosomes are aligned so that similar DNA sequences are broken. Results in Genetic variability created by the wide variety of cross -linking. If you want to understand more about the subject, here you can read about the difference between mitosis and meiosis.

In this category, recombination V (d) J is classified, which works for the vertebrate immune system. Here they encode proteins to create a large number of lymphocytic and immunoglobulins.

Specific or non -homologous recombination

In this case, the sequences are not needed to be very similar as in the case of homologous recombination, but occurs in small fragments of almost identical sequenceswhere specific proteins such as integrates can help complete recombination. Here, homology is not the one that dominates recombination, but does the relationship between DNA and proteins.

Transposition

In this mechanism, DNA or RNA segments called transposons can jump to other genome sites. Here a mechanism of homologation does not occur, but They are inserted without being similarcausing mutations. Its frequency is very low, and an example of the mechanism is antibiotic resistance. The most resistant strains They survive medicationand their genes can spread by transposition.

Genetic recombination is one of the most important processes for the continuity of genetic material. Therefore, we will present some of the reasons for the importance of genetic recombination.

• Allows Create new combinations: From two initial sequences. In this natural selection process you can even create hundreds of different combinations from two initial DNA, as occurs in the humans of equal parents.
• Essential for genetic diversity: extremely important attribute that allows organisms not suitable for others to be replaced. If there were no diversity, the options would be reduced and the survival of the species would be endangered. The lack of variation of species has an impact on the prolongation of diseases, the lack of adaptation to the environment and resilience in abrupt environmental changes.
• Avoid repeated sequences divergence: that is, of recessive genes that may have harmful or lethal consequences to organisms. During genetic divergence, there is no exchange or genetic recombination and this is reduced with recombination.
• Avoid the formation of Müller’s ratchet: It is a phenomenon that occurs in asexual organisms with progeny identical to the initial. Being equal organisms, mutated and harmful genes accumulate.
• Represents a genetic regulator: It can activate or inactivate genes. This occurs frequently in the transposition, where the continuity of the gene where the transposon was inserted is interrupted. Example of this is the varied coloration of corn grains. This mechanism is also important for the maintenance and repair of the genome. Occurs mainly In homologous recombinationbecause during the process, ruptures are usually made in DNA females, called double strand ruptures, and the sequence approval mechanism repairs these sections.
• Helps chromosomes separate: It takes place during meiosis. Here the crossing occurs where homologous chromosomes can separate and join complementary.
• Allows the operation of the vertebrate immune system: since it is thanks to the recombination v (d) J, where a huge range of antibodies is created in the face of the multiple threats that are in the environment.

After all, genetic recombination is the result of the reproduction function. Therefore, we leave you this other article on the reproduction function: what it consists of and why it is important, so you can have more knowledge on the subject.

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