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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...
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...
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...
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...
Nucleotide Excision Repair01:38

Nucleotide Excision Repair

DNA Distortion and Damage
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...
Nucleotide Excision Repair01:08

Nucleotide Excision Repair

Overview

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Updated: Jun 9, 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

The DNA damage response--repair or despair?

Mats Ljungman1

  • 1Division of Radiation and Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA. ljungman@umich.edu

Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis
|September 7, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Cells possess a DNA damage response (DDR) to repair genomic integrity and prevent cancer. Faulty repair or overwhelming damage triggers apoptosis, a cell removal process crucial for tissue health.

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Last Updated: Jun 9, 2026

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Assessment of Global DNA Double-Strand End Resection using BrdU-DNA Labeling coupled with Cell Cycle Discrimination Imaging
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Assessment of Global DNA Double-Strand End Resection using BrdU-DNA Labeling coupled with Cell Cycle Discrimination Imaging

Published on: April 28, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The DNA damage response (DDR) is a complex network of cellular processes initiated upon DNA damage.
  • Organisms have evolved DNA repair mechanisms to maintain genomic integrity over decades.
  • Recent discoveries highlight signal transduction pathways linking DNA damage to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, expanding our understanding of mutagenesis and tumorigenesis prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss key findings contributing to the current understanding of the DNA damage response (DDR).
  • To explore potential future research areas within DDR mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Review of established research and key findings in DNA damage response.
  • Discussion of signal transduction pathways involved in DDR.
  • Analysis of the role of DNA repair in suppressing mutagenesis and stress response.

Main Results:

  • DNA repair is critical for maintaining genomic stability and preventing mutations.
  • Signal transduction pathways link DNA damage to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
  • Cellular dosimeters determine cell fate (survival or apoptosis) when DNA damage is extensive.

Conclusions:

  • The DDR is a vital cellular defense mechanism against DNA damage.
  • Faulty DNA repair or overwhelming damage can lead to apoptosis.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the intricate cellular dosimeters that govern cell fate in response to DNA damage.