Fundamentals of Molecular Biology - V. I. Rezyapkin 2009

Genome Rearrangements

Genome Rearrangements are widespread in nature, occurring in Viruses, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes alike. They result in the redistribution of genetic material, leading to novel Gene combinations. Genome rearrangements can occur via the insertion or deletion of extended DNA sequences, DNA fragment inversions, or the exchange of DNA segments (Fig. 9.1).

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Fig. 9.1. DNA rearrangements. A - insertion and deletion of a DNA segment, B - inversion, C - exchange of DNA segments.

All the aforementioned DNA rearrangements result from DNA recombination. Recombination refers to the generation of new DNA sequences through the breakage and rejoining of molecules. Several types of recombination processes are distinguished: homologous (general), site-specific, Illegitimate Recombination, and transposition. Homologous Recombination involves an exchange between homologous DNA molecules (those with similar polynucleotide sequences). Rather than creating fundamentally new sequences, this type of recombination shuffles similar Variants of the same sequence. In contrast, Site-Specific Recombination requires specific DNA sequences and a specialized enzymatic machinery. Transposition is a distinct type of recombination resulting in the mobilization and relocation of Mobile Genetic Elements. Below, we will examine all these recombination processes in greater detail.



Last update: 12/08/2026

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