recombination

American  

[ree-kom-buh-ney-shuhn] / ˌri kɒm bəˈneɪ ʃən /

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.

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recombination British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of recombination

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

Example Sentences

Under normal conditions, reproduction involves recombination, a process where DNA from both parents is mixed together.

From Science Daily

The study suggests that recombination may play a key role in this recovery.

From Science Daily

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