Branch migration describes the ability of a DNA strand partially paired with its complement in a duplex to extend its pairing by displacing the resident strand with which it is homologous. This usually happens when two homologous double strands form a Holliday junction and the whole structure slides into one direction; the "branch migrates". This procedure can influence the amount of information that is transferred between two recombining partners. In E. Coli RuvA and RuvB of the RuvABC protein complex promote branch migration until RuvC binds and resolves the Holliday junction by cleaving. Another definition for branch migration is the extension of a D-loop when a single stranded DNA strand invades a "recipient" duplex during recombination or repair.
Famous quotes containing the word branch:
“In communist society, where nobody has one exclusive sphere of activity but each can become accomplished in any branch he wishes, society regulates the general production and thus makes it possible for me to do one thing today and another tomorrow, to hunt in the morning, fish in the afternoon, rear cattle in the evening, criticize after dinner, just as I have a mind, without ever becoming hunter, fisherman, shepherd or critic.”
—Karl Marx (1818–1883)