| Description: | The exchange of identical pieces of DNA between during gene targeting. The cell contains the molecular machinery for doing so because homologous recombination is used during the formation of eggs and sperm. In the egg, recombination allows the chromosomes to shuffle the genetic material from the mother and father, increasing the potential of genetic diversity. Homologous recombination is also known as crossing over.
Reference:
http://www.genome.gov/glossary.cfm?key=homologous%20recombination
http://www.genome.gov/12514551 |