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. 1971 Jul;68(7):1639–1643. doi: 10.1073/pnas.68.7.1639

Role of Exonuclease and β Protein of Phage λ in Genetic Recombination, V. Recombination of λ DNA in Vitro

Era Cassuto 1,2, Terry Lash 1,2, K S Sriprakash 1,2, Charles M Radding 1,2
PMCID: PMC389258  PMID: 4934524

Abstract

The sequential action of λ exonuclease and polynucleotide ligase upon redundant joint molecules is sufficient to produce intact polynucleotide chains and heat-stable, biologically active molecules of λ DNA, whereas the action of ligase alone is insufficient. These results (a) confirm the previously described mechanism of single-strand assimilation, including a subsidiary mechanism by which the further action of λ exonuclease is arrested when a redundant strand is completely assimilated, and (b) represent a simulation of the steps in genetic recombination that follow the formation of biparental complexes (synapsis). λ exonuclease is postulated to catalyze a concerted reaction that includes exposure of complementary sequences, formation of heteroduplex regions, and elimination of redundant branches.

Keywords: single-strand assimilation, mechanism of arrest

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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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