FEATURES

FAMILY

DESCRIPTION

Also known as RECB_MYCTU, recB. A helicase/nuclease that prepares dsDNA breaks (DSB) for recombinational DNA repair. Binds to DSBs and unwinds DNA via a highly rapid and processive ATP-dependent bidirectional helicase activity. Unwinds dsDNA until it encounters a Chi (crossover hotspot instigator) sequence from the 3' direction. Cuts ssDNA a few nucleotides 3' to the Chi site. The properties and activities of the enzyme are changed at Chi. The Chi-altered holoenzyme produces a long 3'-ssDNA overhang and facilitates RecA-binding to the ssDNA for homologous DNA recombination and repair. Holoenzyme degrades any linearized DNA that is unable to undergo homologous recombination. In the holoenzyme this subunit contributes ATPase, 3'-5' helicase, exonuclease activity and loads RecA onto ssDNA. Heterotrimer of RecB, RecC and RecD. All subunits contribute to DNA-binding. Interacts with RecA.

EXTERNAL LINKS

recB

RecBCD enzyme subunit RecB

recB

Molecular Synopsis