Final answer:
The enzymes responsible for homologous recombination in E. coli's primary pathway are RecA, RecB, RecC, and RecD, with RecA being a conserved protein important in the DNA repair process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The enzymes responsible for homologous recombination in E. coli's primary pathway include RecA, RecB, RecC, and RecD. These enzymes work in tandem to repair double-stranded DNA breaks. RecA is particularly important as it is conserved across various organisms, including its homologs Rad51 in humans and RadA in archaea. RecB, RecC, and RecD form a complex known as RecBCD, which is essential in the process of DNA repair in E. coli. These enzymes help maintain genetic stability by repairing DNA and are crucial for the survival of the bacteria in response to DNA damage.