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Related Concept Videos

Overview of DNA Repair02:25

Overview of DNA Repair

In order to be passed through generations, genomic DNA must be undamaged and error-free. However, every day, DNA in a cell undergoes several thousand to a million damaging events by natural causes and external factors. Ionizing radiation such as UV rays, free radicals produced during cellular respiration, and hydrolytic damage from metabolic reactions can alter the structure of DNA. Damages caused include single-base alteration, base dimerization, chain breaks, and cross-linkage.
Chemically...
Fixing Double-strand Breaks02:04

Fixing Double-strand Breaks

The double-stranded structure of DNA has two major advantages. First, it serves as a safe repository of genetic information where one strand serves as the back-up in case the other strand is damaged. Second, the double-helical structure can be wrapped around proteins called histones to form nucleosomes, which can then be tightly wound to form chromosomes. This way, DNA chains up to 2 inches long can be contained within microscopic structures in a cell. A double-stranded break not only damages...
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle02:36

DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle

In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
Overview of DNA Repair02:25

Overview of DNA Repair

In order to be passed through generations, genomic DNA must be undamaged and error-free. However, every day, DNA in a cell undergoes several thousand to a million damaging events by natural causes and external factors. Ionizing radiation such as UV rays, free radicals produced during cellular respiration, and hydrolytic damage from metabolic reactions can alter the structure of DNA. Damages caused include single-base alteration, base dimerization, chain breaks, and cross-linkage.
Chemically...
Fixing Double-strand Breaks02:04

Fixing Double-strand Breaks

The double-stranded structure of DNA has two major advantages. First, it serves as a safe repository of genetic information where one strand serves as the back-up in case the other strand is damaged. Second, the double-helical structure can be wrapped around proteins called histones to form nucleosomes, which can then be tightly wound to form chromosomes. This way, DNA chains up to 2 inches long can be contained within microscopic structures in a cell. A double-stranded break not only damages...
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle02:36

DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle

In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...

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Updated: May 10, 2026

Characterizing DNA Repair Processes at Transient and Long-lasting Double-strand DNA Breaks by Immunofluorescence Microscopy
08:31

Characterizing DNA Repair Processes at Transient and Long-lasting Double-strand DNA Breaks by Immunofluorescence Microscopy

Published on: June 8, 2018

Defying death after DNA damage.

T Rich1, R L Allen, A H Wyllie

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, UK.

Nature
|October 26, 2000
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

DNA damage often triggers programmed cell death (apoptosis). This study explores why DNA damage initiates apoptosis, alternatives to cell death, and the signaling pathways involved.

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Visualization of DNA Repair Proteins Interaction by Immunofluorescence
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Visualizing and Quantifying Endonuclease-Based Site-Specific DNA Damage
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Visualizing and Quantifying Endonuclease-Based Site-Specific DNA Damage

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Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Characterizing DNA Repair Processes at Transient and Long-lasting Double-strand DNA Breaks by Immunofluorescence Microscopy
08:31

Characterizing DNA Repair Processes at Transient and Long-lasting Double-strand DNA Breaks by Immunofluorescence Microscopy

Published on: June 8, 2018

Visualization of DNA Repair Proteins Interaction by Immunofluorescence
07:55

Visualization of DNA Repair Proteins Interaction by Immunofluorescence

Published on: June 26, 2020

Visualizing and Quantifying Endonuclease-Based Site-Specific DNA Damage
10:59

Visualizing and Quantifying Endonuclease-Based Site-Specific DNA Damage

Published on: August 21, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Cellular biology
  • Molecular biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • DNA damage is a critical cellular insult.
  • Apoptosis (programmed cell death) is a common response to DNA damage.
  • The decision to undergo apoptosis is complex and involves integrating various cellular signals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the fundamental reasons why DNA damage triggers apoptosis.
  • To explore alternative fates for DNA-damaged cells and the factors influencing these choices.
  • To elucidate the signaling mechanisms that detect DNA damage and influence apoptotic pathways.
  • To examine the potential existence of nuclear apoptosome complexes.
  • To understand the consequences of failed apoptosis following DNA damage.

Main Methods:

  • This study is primarily theoretical, addressing fundamental questions through conceptual analysis and integration of existing knowledge.
  • It involves examining signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms related to DNA damage response and apoptosis.
  • The research synthesizes information on intracellular and extracellular stimuli influencing cell fate decisions.

Main Results:

  • DNA damage initiates apoptosis as a protective mechanism against potentially harmful mutations.
  • Cells can choose between apoptosis and other fates, such as DNA repair and cell cycle arrest, based on damage severity and signaling.
  • Specific molecular signals recognize DNA damage and activate downstream apoptotic effectors.
  • The existence and function of a nuclear apoptosome complex remain an area for further investigation.
  • Failure to initiate apoptosis can lead to genomic instability and diseases like cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Apoptosis is a crucial safeguard against DNA damage, but alternative cellular responses are also vital.
  • Understanding the intricate signaling networks governing cell fate decisions after DNA damage is essential for comprehending cellular health and disease.
  • Further research is needed to fully characterize nuclear apoptotic machinery and its role in DNA damage response.