Multiple RAD51 proteins bind along the length of broken single-stranded DNA to form filaments, which allows the damaged strands to be restored by lining up with their complete strands. Although ...

Caption ixteen strands of DNA, stacked four-by-four, form the beam-shaped chassis of the DNA motor (in gray). Bits of DNA (in green) protrude from the chassis like little feet. The motor is fueled ...

Beyond its role in meiosis, recombination is important to somatic cells in eukaryotes because it can be used to help repair broken DNA, even when the break involves both strands of the double helix.