Molecular Genetics of Recombination (Topics in Current Genetics, 17)

Molecular Genetics of Recombination (Topics in Current Genetics, 17) provides an in-depth examination of genetic recombination and its importance in genome stability, DNA repair, and molecular genetics. Published by Springer, this 548-page volume explores how recombination contributes not only to the genetic makeup of progeny but also to the preservation and repair of DNA in actively growing cells.

Modern research has revealed that genetic recombination is a critical DNA repair pathway, particularly when cells encounter damage associated with oxidative stress, transcription, replication fork stalling or breakdown, and exposure to DNA-damaging agents. The book brings together genetic and biochemical research from prokaryotic systems, fungi, mammals, and human cells to develop a broader understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying recombination and recombination-mediated DNA repair.

About the Book

Genetic recombination is fundamental to genetics and evolution, but its importance extends far beyond generating genetic diversity. Recombination can help maintain genome integrity by repairing damaged DNA and resolving problems that arise during DNA replication.

The book examines these processes from a molecular and biochemical perspective, providing readers with an understanding of the proteins, pathways, and mechanisms involved in recombination and DNA repair.

Genetic Recombination and Genome Stability

Recombination plays an important role in protecting the integrity of the genome. DNA damage can occur as a consequence of normal cellular metabolism, including oxidative stress, as well as through transcription-associated damage, replication problems, and exposure to damaging agents.

By examining recombination as a DNA repair pathway, the book highlights its importance in maintaining functional and stable genomes.

Recombination During DNA Replication

DNA replication can generate situations in which the replication machinery stalls or breaks down. Recombination mechanisms provide important cellular responses to these problems and can contribute to the repair and recovery of damaged or incomplete DNA structures.

Understanding these mechanisms is therefore essential for studying how cells maintain genome integrity during normal growth.

Genetic and Biochemical Mechanisms

A major strength of the volume is its integration of genetic and biochemical approaches. Detailed research has allowed scientists to identify and characterize many proteins involved in recombination and DNA repair.

Studies of organisms such as Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae have provided important insights into recombination mechanisms and have helped researchers identify corresponding proteins and homologues in mammalian and human cells.

From Prokaryotes to Mammals

Much of the early understanding of genetic recombination came from studies of bacteria and relatively simple eukaryotic organisms. Research has since expanded significantly into mammalian systems.

The book reflects this progression and considers the similarities and differences that are emerging across organisms, helping establish a comparative view of the general factors and molecular mechanisms involved in genetic recombination.

Recombination Proteins and Human Disease

Genetic recombination has important biomedical implications. Defects in recombination pathways and abnormalities involving recombination proteins have been associated with certain tumors and hereditary human syndromes.

These relationships demonstrate why recombination is important not only as a fundamental biological process but also as an area of interest in medical and biomedical research.

Recombination and DNA Repair Research

The molecular study of recombination connects several areas of modern biology, including genetics, molecular biology, DNA repair, cell biology, cancer biology, and genomics. Understanding the proteins and pathways involved in recombination can provide insight into how cells respond to DNA damage and how failures in these systems may contribute to disease.

Who Should Use This Book?

This book may be particularly useful for:

• Genetics students and researchers
• Molecular biology researchers
• Cell biology researchers
• DNA repair researchers
• Cancer biology researchers
• Genomics researchers
• Biomedical scientists
• Graduate and postgraduate students
• Researchers studying genome stability and recombination

Final Thoughts

Molecular Genetics of Recombination (Topics in Current Genetics, 17) offers a comprehensive examination of genetic recombination as both a mechanism for shaping genetic variation and a critical pathway for DNA repair. By connecting classical studies in bacteria and fungi with research in mammals and humans, the book provides a broader molecular perspective on how recombination contributes to genome stability.

Its discussion of recombination proteins, DNA damage, replication-associated problems, tumors, and hereditary syndromes makes it a valuable resource for readers interested in the connection between fundamental genetics and biomedical research.

Book Information

Title: Molecular Genetics of Recombination
Series: Topics in Current Genetics, 17
Publisher: Springer
Publication Date: November 19, 2010
Edition: Softcover reprint of hardcover 1st ed. 2007
Language: English
Print Length: 548 pages
ISBN-10: 3642090052
ISBN-13: 978-3642090059
Subjects: Genetics, Molecular Genetics, Genetic Recombination, DNA Repair, Genome Stability, Molecular Biology, DNA Replication, Recombination Proteins, Cancer Biology, Genomics, Cell Biology

A comprehensive molecular genetics reference exploring recombination, DNA repair, genome stability, and the biomedical significance of recombination defects.