The occurrence of DNA recombination in plastids of higher plants is well documented. However, little is known at the enzymic level. To begin dissecting the biochemical mechanism(s) involved we focused on a key step: strand transfer between homologous parenta1 DNAs. We detected a RecA-like strand transfer activity in stromal extracts from pea (Pisum sativum 1.) chloroplasts. Formation of joint molecules requires MgZ+, ATP, and homologous substrates. This activity is inhibited by excess single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), suggesting a necessary stoichiometric relation between enzyme and ssDNA. In a nove1 assay with Triton X-100-permeabilized chloroplasts, we also detected strand invasion of the endogenous chloroplast DNA by 3ZP-labeled ssDNA complementary to the 16s rRNA gene. Joint molecules, analyzed by electron microscopy, contained the expected displacement loops.