DNA repair
Fixing genetic damage
DNA repair is the collection of cellular processes that detect and correct damage to DNA molecules.
Cells constantly face threats to their genetic material—radiation, chemical exposure, replication errors—and DNA repair mechanisms fix these problems to maintain genomic integrity.
Defects in DNA repair pathways are linked to cancer and aging.
The cancer was caused by a mutation in a DNA repair gene.
Bond-creating enzyme
- polymeraseNucleic acid synthesis enzyme
- nucleaseDNA-cleaving enzyme
- kinasePhosphate-transferring enzyme
- phosphatasePhosphate-cleaving enzyme
Programmed cell death
- chromatinNuclear protein-wrapped genetic material
- nucleotideGenetic code subunit
- fidelityLoyalty or exactness
- mutagenesisInducing stable genetic changes
Uncontrolled cell proliferation disease
- carcinogenesisMalignant transformation process
- oncogeneTumor-inducing genetic element
- tumor suppressorGene preventing uncontrolled growth
- chemotherapyAnti-cancer drug treatment
radiation therapy · immunotherapy · biomarker · genetic disorder · progeria · drug resistance
Complete DNA backbone cleavage
- alkylationAdding hydrocarbon groups chemically
- deaminationAmino group removal process
- oxidationLosing electrons chemically
- crosslinkBond joining molecular chains
Gradual functional decline with age
- longevityDuration of existence
- age-related declineWorsening due to years
- gerontologyScientific study of senescence
- lifespanTotal existence duration
ligase
Bond-creating enzyme
- polymeraseNucleic acid synthesis enzyme
- nucleaseDNA-cleaving enzyme
- kinasePhosphate-transferring enzyme
apoptosis
Programmed cell death
- chromatinNuclear protein-wrapped genetic material
- nucleotideGenetic code subunit
- fidelityLoyalty or exactness
cancer
Uncontrolled cell proliferation disease
- carcinogenesisMalignant transformation process
- oncogeneTumor-inducing genetic element
- tumor suppressorGene preventing uncontrolled growth
chemotherapy · radiation therapy · immunotherapy · biomarker · genetic disorder · progeria · drug resistance
double-strand break
Complete DNA backbone cleavage
- alkylationAdding hydrocarbon groups chemically
- deaminationAmino group removal process
- oxidationLosing electrons chemically
senescence
Gradual functional decline with age
- longevityDuration of existence
- age-related declineWorsening due to years
- gerontologyScientific study of senescence
proofreading
Checking text for mistakes
- cell protectionantioxidants, glutathione, chaperones, detoxification, protein folding
- Genome Integritymutations, double-strand break, proofreading, error correction, ATM
- healingmeditation, emotional healing, yoga, mindfulness, mending
- cell biologycell membrane, cell division, cytoplasm, ribosome, mitochondria
- Self-repairhealing, regeneration, recovery, restoration, renewal
- Molecular Biologyreplication, transcription, translation, gene expression, gene regulation
DNA repairDNA damage
Injury to genetic material
mutagenesis · carcinogenesis · radiation damage · alkylation · deamination
repair, repaired, repairing, repairs, DNA, repairer, repairers, unrepaired, repairable