TABLE 3

Summary of the findings

Construct
name		StructureNucleaseRecombinaseaViabilityb
vectorNANANA-
pRecBCD++++
pAddAB-+++
pRecBC±±++
pRecBCc±-c?-c
pRecB1080+---
pRecB*CD++-+
pAddAB-----
pRecD----

  • The three properties of the RecBCD enzyme, relevant for the RecA-independent role in cell viability, are “structure,” DNA degradation (“nuclease”), and recombinational repair (“recombinase”). “+,” wild-type levels; “±,” partial levels; “-,” lack of property; “?,” “unknown”; NA, not applicable.

  • ↵a In ΔrecBCD mutant cells.

  • ↵b In ΔrecA ΔrecBCD mutant cells.

  • ↵c In ssDNA-exonuclease-deficient ΔrecA ΔrecBCD mutant cells.