Homologous recombination and dynamics of rhizobial genomes

The nitrogen-fixing bacteria commonly known as rhizobia are attractive organisms due to their symbiotic association with legume plants. Their genomes contain a large number of redundant genetic elements. These reiterations might participate in homologous recombination events and lead to diverse genomic rearrangements. Here we analyze the role of homologous recombination in the dynamics of these bacterial genomes, as well as its possible biological consequences. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.