Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Single Molecule Analysis of Laser Localized Psoralen Adducts
Published on: April 20, 2017
Lessons from 50 years of SOS DNA-damage-induced mutagenesis
Katharina Schlacher1, Myron F Goodman
1University of Southern California, 1050 Childs Way, RIH 201B, Los Angeles, California 90089-2910, USA.
Abstract:
This historical perspective integrates 50 years of research on SOS mutagenesis in Escherichia coli with the proverbial '3R' functions--replication, repair and recombination--that feature DNA polymerase V. Genetic and biochemical data are assimilated to arrive at a current picture of UV-damage-induced mutagenesis. An unprecedented DNA polymerase V transactivation mechanism, which involves the RecA protein, sheds new light on unresolved issues that have persisted over time, prompting us to reflect on evolving molecular concepts regarding DNA structures and polymerase-switching mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
Nucleotide Excision Repair
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
In vitro Mutagenesis
Nucleotide Excision Repair
Cells are regularly exposed to mutagens—factors in the environment that can damage DNA and generate mutations. UV radiation is one of the most common mutagens and is estimated to introduce a significant number of changes in DNA. These include bends or kinks in the structure, which can block DNA replication or transcription. If these errors are not fixed, the damage can cause mutations, which in turn can result in cancer or disease depending on which sequences are...
Mismatch Repair
The Mutator Protein Family Plays a Key Role in DNA Mismatch Repair
The human genome has more than 3 billion base pairs of DNA per cell. Prior to cell division, that vast amount of genetic...
Spontaneous and Induced Mutations

