DNA REPAIR Meaning and
Definition
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DNA repair is a vital biological process that involves the detection and correction of damages or lesions in the DNA molecule. It is an intricate cellular mechanism responsible for maintaining the integrity and stability of the genetic material, ensuring proper cell function and survival. DNA damage can arise from various internal and external sources such as chemical agents, radiation exposure, errors that occur during DNA replication, or even normal metabolic processes. Unrepaired or improperly repaired DNA can lead to genetic mutations, genomic instability, and ultimately, contribute to diseases such as cancer.
The process of DNA repair involves a series of interconnected pathways, each specialized for specific types of DNA damage. Upon detection of DNA lesions, specialized proteins survey the genome to identify the damaged sites. These proteins include enzymes known as DNA repair enzymes. Once the damage is recognized, the repair process is initiated, which can be achieved through various mechanisms such as direct reversal, base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, mismatch repair, or double-strand break repair. These mechanisms eliminate or repair the damaged DNA, restoring the genetic sequence to its original state. Additionally, cells also possess mechanisms to recognize and remove severely damaged DNA, if necessary, through the process of programmed cell death or apoptosis.
Understanding the intricate process of DNA repair has important implications in various fields of biology, medicine, and genetics. It provides insights into the mechanisms of DNA damage and repair, the development of diseases caused by DNA lesions, and the potential for therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing DNA repair mechanisms to prevent or treat genetic disorders and cancers.
Common Misspellings for DNA REPAIR
- sna repair
- xna repair
- cna repair
- fna repair
- rna repair
- ena repair
- dba repair
- dma repair
- dja repair
- dha repair
- dnz repair
- dns repair
- dnw repair
- dnq repair
- dna eepair
- dna depair
- dna fepair
- dna tepair
- dna 5epair
- dna 4epair
Etymology of DNA REPAIR
The term "DNA repair" is derived from a combination of two components: "DNA" and "repair".
1. DNA: DNA stands for "Deoxyribonucleic Acid", which is a complex molecule that carries the genetic information in nearly all living organisms. The abbreviation DNA was coined in 1944 by Oswald Avery, Colin MacLeod, and Maclyn McCarty, who discovered that DNA is responsible for transmitting genetic information.
2. Repair: The word "repair" comes from the Old French word "reparer" meaning "to restore" or "to mend". It entered English in the 1300s and is still used with a similar meaning today.
When combined, "DNA repair" refers to the biological processes that restore or fix damaged DNA, ensuring the integrity and stability of the genetic material in an organism.
Similar spelling word for DNA REPAIR
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