RecA force generation by hydrolysis waves

We present a simple theory of the dynamics of force generation by RecA duri ng homologous strand exchange and a continuous, deterministic mathematical model of the proposed process. Calculations show that force generation is p ossible in this model for certain reasonable values of the parameters. We p redict the shape of the force-velocity curve for the Holliday junction, whi ch exhibits a distinctive kink at large retarding force, and suggest experi ments which should distinguish between the proposed model and other models in the literature.