recombination

[ree-kom-buh-ney-shuhn]

Genetics.

1. the formation of new combinations of genes, either naturally, by crossing over or independent assortment, or in the laboratory by direct manipulation of genetic material.

recombination

/ ˌriːkɒmbɪˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. genetics any of several processes by which genetic material of different origins becomes combined. It most commonly occurs between two sets of parental chromosomes during production of germ cells

2. physics the union of free electrons and holes in a semiconductor or of free ions and electrons in a plasma

Word History and Origins

Origin of recombination¹

1820–30, for general sense; 1900–05 for current sense; re- + combination

Example Sentences

It's not just the resurgence of ancient diseases, but the fact that pathogens can and will trade genetic information if they come into contact with one another, a process known as viral recombination.

From Salon

Natural selection leaves subtle signatures on our genome, but these marks can erode over generations due to recombination, where segments of DNA are shuffled and diluted.

From Science Daily

When this occurs, there is potential for a “recombination” of the genetic code from both viral strains.

From Salon

This reshuffling, due to random segregation of chromosomes and meiotic recombination, is important in generating novel and beneficial genetic configurations in natural populations and during breeding.

From Science Daily

One discovery is particularly interesting with regard to the emergence of new viruses: In host animals that are simultaneously infected with different viruses, a recombination of viral genes can occur during virus replication.

From Science Daily