Recombination, the production of progeny with new combinations of genes, is one of the basic activities of genetic material at all levels of the biological kingdom. The basic mechanisms of recombination are not completely understood in any species, but much has been learned in recent years by a combination of molecular and genetic studies in yeast. The generality of these findings is uncertain, and there is a need for parallel studies in other eukaryotes. The mtr gene of Neurospora offers special advantages for studies of mutation and recombination. Rare segregants can be efficiently detected going in either direction; wildtype to mutant or mutant to wildtype. The gene hs been cloned and sequenced. A detailed analysis of spontaneous mutation is being completed which has involved the sequencing of 63 different mtr mutants. This system can now be used for a detailed molecular description of meiotic recombination. %%% Recombination, the production of progeny with new combinations of genes, is one of the basic activities of genetic material at all levels of the biological kingdom. The basic mechanisms of recombination are not completely understood in any species, but much has been learned in recent years by a combination of molecular and genetic studies in yeast. The generality of these findings is uncertain, and there is a need for parallel studies in other organisms. This study of recombination in the filamentous fungus Neurospora will make a significant contribution toward meeting this need.
