In the RecFOR pathway, the RecF and RecR proteins form a complex that binds to DNA and exerts multiple functions, including directing the loading of RecA onto single-stranded (ss) DNA regions near double-stranded (ds) DNA-ssDNA junctions and preventing it from forming a filament beyond the ssDNA region. However, neither the structure of the RecFR complex nor its DNA-binding mechanism was previo...

Abstract If life ever appeared on Mars and if it did refuge into sub-superficial environments when surface conditions turned too hostile, then should have been periodically revived from the frozen, dormant state in order to repair accumulated damage reset survival clock zero for next phase. Thus, unravelling how long Earth microorganisms can cope with high-LET radiation mimicking long-term irra...