Homologous recombination repairs discontinuities in DNA including single-strand gaps (SSGs) and double-strand breaks (DSBs). This commentary describes how the RecBCD and RecF pathways might be exchangeable for the repair of their respective DSB and SSG canonical substrates. In particular, I will discuss how the RecBCD pathway could engage in the repair of an SSG even when the latter is not associated with a DSB.
Keywords: Broken chromosomes; DNA damage; DNA repair; DNA replication; Double-strand break; Homologous recombination; RecA; RecBCD; RecF; Single-strand gap.