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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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 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

DNA damage and repair.

Errol C Friedberg1

  • 1Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9072, USA.friedberg.errol@pathology.swmed.edu

Nature
|January 24, 2003
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

DNA is constantly damaged but cells possess repair mechanisms to counteract this. Despite potential disease links, DNA mutations are essential for life and evolution.

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Visualizing Single-Stranded DNA Foci in the G1 Phase of the Cell Cycle

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Last Updated: May 7, 2026

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

Published on: June 8, 2018

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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Visualizing Single-Stranded DNA Foci in the G1 Phase of the Cell Cycle
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Visualizing Single-Stranded DNA Foci in the G1 Phase of the Cell Cycle

Published on: December 22, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The DNA double helix's structure initially suggested an unchanging molecule, conflicting with mutation and repair concepts.
  • It is now understood that DNA undergoes continuous damage, necessitating cellular repair responses.

Discussion:

  • Cellular DNA repair mechanisms are crucial for maintaining genomic integrity.
  • Deficiencies in DNA repair or increased mutation rates can lead to severe human diseases.

Key Insights:

  • DNA is inherently dynamic, not static, and susceptible to damage.
  • Despite the risks, DNA mutations are fundamental drivers of biological evolution.
  • Cells have evolved sophisticated systems to manage DNA damage and mutations.

Outlook:

  • Further research into DNA repair pathways could reveal new therapeutic targets for genetic diseases.
  • Understanding the interplay between DNA damage, repair, and evolution is key to advancing molecular biology.