Rekombinere

Rekombinere is a Norwegian verb meaning to recombine or join again. The concept appears across disciplines to describe bringing together previously separate components to form a new whole. In scientific contexts, rekombinering or rekombinasjon is used to describe such reassembly in biology, chemistry, and physics.

Biology and genetics: Genetic recombination is the process by which DNA sequences are rearranged to produce new combinations of genetic material. It occurs naturally during meiosis through crossing-over and gene conversion, and is central to heredity and evolution. In biotechnology, recombinant DNA techniques use enzymes such as Cre recombinase or FLP recombinase to insert, delete, or rearrange DNA segments, enabling genetic engineering and production of recombinant proteins.

Chemistry: Recombination refers to reactions in which two reactive fragments combine to form a stable molecule, for example radicals or ions recombining to give a neutral product. Recombination affects combustion, atmospheric chemistry, and synthesis, and helps determine reaction pathways and yields.

Physics and materials science: Recombination describes the loss of charge carriers in semiconductors when electrons and holes combine. Radiative recombination emits light, forming the basis of LEDs and laser diodes, while non-radiative channels affect efficiency. In cosmology, recombination describes the epoch when electrons combined with nuclei to form neutral atoms, allowing photons to travel freely and shaping the cosmic microwave background.