RecA proteins

Abstract

The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering RecA content and/or composition of plants. The invention provides isolated nucleic acids and their encoded proteins that are homologous to bacterial RecA genes. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions. The plant recA polynucleotides and their cognate products are useful for gene targeting in maize and other plant species and for use as a molecular marker.

1 . An isolated polypeptide having at least 80% sequence identity to a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6, and 8; wherein the percent identity is determined over the entire length of the reference sequence using the GAP program under default parameters, and wherein the isolated polypeptide has RecA activity.  
     
     
         2 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein the polypeptide has at least 85% sequence identity to a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6, and 8.  
     
     
         3 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein the polypeptide has at least 90% sequence identity to a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6, and 8.  
     
     
         4 . The isolated polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein the polypeptide has at least 95% sequence identity to a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6, and 8.