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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Single-Strand DNA Binding Proteins01:03

Single-Strand DNA Binding Proteins

For successful DNA replication, the unwinding of double-stranded DNA must be accompanied by stabilization and protection of the separated single strands of the DNA. This crucial task is performed by single-strand DNA-binding (SSB) proteins. They bind to the DNA in a sequence-independent manner, which means that the nitrogenous bases of the DNA need not be present in a specific order for binding of SSB proteins to it. The binding of SSB proteins straightens single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and makes...
Nucleotide Excision Repair01:08

Nucleotide Excision Repair

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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

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

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Published on: August 21, 2021

Electron-attachment-induced DNA damage: instantaneous strand breaks.

Emilie Cauët1, Stuart Bogatko, Jacques Liévin

  • 1General Chemistry-Algemene Chemie, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium. ecauet@ulb.ac.be

The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|July 23, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Low energy electron attachment causes DNA damage through complex bond rearrangements. This damage, involving nuclear motion and bond elongation, occurs rapidly before electron transfer to nucleobases.

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Computational Chemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Low energy electron attachment is a significant factor in DNA damage.
  • Understanding the mechanisms of DNA damage is crucial for radiation biology and medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze electron-attachment-induced damage in DNA.
  • To investigate the role of electron density rearrangements and nuclear dynamics in DNA bond dissociation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics (QM/MM) calculations.
  • Simulating vertical electron attachment and subsequent molecular dynamics.

Main Results:

  • Electron density rearrangements after attachment modulate nuclear positions and dynamics.
  • Elongation of P-O and C-C bonds leads to rapid phosphodiester bond breakage.
  • These events occur on a femtosecond timescale, preceding electron localization to nucleobases.

Conclusions:

  • DNA phosphodiester bond breakage can occur before electron transfer from the backbone to the base.
  • The study provides insights into the ultrafast dynamics of radiation-induced DNA damage.