Kinetic analysis of DNA double-strand break repair pathways in Arabidopsis

► Complex interrelationships of recombination pathways poorly understood. ► Quantitation of g-H2AX foci permits DSB repair kinetics analysis in Arabidopsis. ► Roles and hierarchical organisation of 4 major DSB repair pathways. ► Non-homologous recombination is major response in repair of γ-rays induced DSB. ► Quadruple KO mutant can repair DSB leading to massive genetic instability.