The double-strand-break repair model for recombination.
Gene conversion is the nonreciprocal transfer of information from one DNA duplex to another; in meiosis, it is frequently associated with crossing-over. We review the genetic properties of meiotic recombination and previous models of conversion and crossing-over. In these models, recombination is initiated by single-strand nicks, and heteroduplex DNA is generated. Gene conversion is explained by the repair of mismatches present in heteroduplex DNA. We propose a new mechanism for meiotic recombination, in which events are initiated by double-strand breaks that are enlarged to double-strand gaps. Gene conversion can then occur by the repair of a double-strand gap, and postmeiotic segregation can result from heteroduplex DNA formed at the boundaries of the gap-repair region. The repair of double-strand gaps is an efficient process in yeast, and is known to be associated with crossing-over. The genetic implications of the double-strand-break repair model are explored.
D002875:Chromosomes / Q000502:physiology; D003434:Crossing Over, Genetic; D004260:DNA Repair; D005785:Gene Conversion; D008540:Meiosis; D008954:Models, Biological; D010957:Plasmids; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000235:genetics