Abstract λ reverse (λ rev ) (Zissler et al ., 1971a) is a recombination proficient derivative of a A phage which had lost the phage recombination genes by deletion. In this work, phages with the Rev phenotype have been obtained by a method of selection different from that of Zissler et al . (1971a). Comparison of DNA from two of our isolates and one of Zissler's by electron microscopic heteroduplex mapping shows that all three phages carry substitutions of non-λ DNA which are indistinguishable in extent, location and base sequence. Genetic and biochemical characterization of λ rev strongly suggests that the substituted DNA codes for recombination functions different from the λ recombination functions which are deleted. These substituted genes apparently derive from the host chromosome or a prophage, and may be the same as the genes responsible for the SbcA and Rac phenotypes in the host.