Recombination in different organisms

Abstract

The mechanism known as recombination is the process of exchanging genetic information between chromosomes and happens to take place in a variety of organisms. Speaking in molecular terms, this would involve the swapping, or exchange of segments of DNA molecules. During copulation in eukaryotic organisms, meiosis is what allows the exchange of segments of DNA between traits that share the same function and origin in chromosomes. This event creates significant genetic diversity by allowing offspring to have a chance of evolution and a change of heritable characteristics. However, unlike eukaryotes, prokaryotes (single-celled organisms) do not reproduce in the same manner as eukaryotes do. Instead, they follow several different mechanisms to promote their genetic exchange. These mechanisms involve having fragments of DNA recombined into the chromosome after entering it through a process of conjugation, transformation, or transduction. This results in recombination having an influence on the evolution of bacteria. It is important to note that in all cases involving recombination, pieces of DNA molecules are rejoined after being broken and thus they form a crossover. Recombination happens when two crossovers take place and allows a segment of DNA to be transferred from one molecule of DNA to another. Additionally, recombination can be categorized into two different examples: homologous and nonhomologous. In the homologous example, recombination occurs from two similar sequences while the nonhomologous example recombination occurs in short bases and no similarity is apparent.