Question

Which of the following most likely accounts for the majority of the recombination events during both DNA repair and meiosis?

a)A nick in only one strand of the DNA.
b)Double-stranded breaks in DNA.
c)DNA gap repair synthesis.
d)Heteroduplex formation.

Answer 1

Double-stranded breaks in DNA most likely account for the majority of recombination events during both DNA repair and meiosis, using homologous recombination to ensure genetic diversity and restore genetic information.

Step-by-step explanation:

The majority of the recombination events during both DNA repair and meiosis are most likely accounted for by double-stranded breaks in DNA. Homologous recombination is a crucial mechanism that repairs double-stranded breaks by using a similar or identical sequence as a template to accurately restore genetic information.

This process engages various enzymes, including MRX and MRN, which bind at the break and recruit other factors such as Sae2, an endonuclease, and Sgs1, a helicase. During meiosis, homologous recombination facilitates genetic diversity through the exchange of alleles between homologous chromosomes in a highly regulated manner that involves DNA breakage and recombination.