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. 1987 Feb;84(3):690–694. doi: 10.1073/pnas.84.3.690

3' homologous free ends are required for stable joint molecule formation by the RecA and single-stranded binding proteins of Escherichia coli.

B B Konforti, R W Davis
PMCID: PMC304281  PMID: 3543934

Abstract

The RecA protein of Escherichia coli is important for genetic recombination in vivo and can promote synapsis and strand exchange in vitro. The DNA pairing and strand exchange reactions have been well characterized in reactions with circular single strands and linear duplexes, but little is known about these two processes using substrates more characteristic of those likely to exist in the cell. Single-stranded linear DNAs were prepared by separating strands of duplex molecules or by cleaving single-stranded circles at a unique restriction site created by annealing a short defined oligonucleotide to the circle. Analysis by gel electrophoresis and electron microscopy revealed that, in the presence of RecA and single-stranded binding proteins, a free 3' homologous end is essential for stable joint molecule formation between linear single-stranded and circular duplex DNA.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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