Model depicting the role of the RAD51AP1-F1 and -F3 domains in ternary complex formation.A, to initiate ternary complex formation, F3 (dark gray) associates with a nucleosome on the incoming duplex DNA template, while F1 (light gray) binds to the ssDNA of the RAD51-ssDNA nucleoprotein filament. The very C-terminus of RAD51AP1 (purple) engages with RAD51, as previously shown (25). B, it is also possible that F1 binds to regions of nucleosome-free DNA within the dsDNA target.