Concept
Endogenous DNA damage refers to the harm inflicted on DNA molecules from internal cellular processes, such as metabolic byproducts and replication errors, which can lead to mutations if not properly repaired. This type of damage is a natural and continuous occurrence in cells, necessitating efficient DNA repair mechanisms to maintain genomic integrity and prevent diseases like cancer.
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Concept
DNA replication errors are mistakes that occur during the process of copying the genetic material, which can lead to mutations if not corrected. These errors can result from various factors such as DNA polymerase misincorporation, template slippage, or environmental influences, and are usually mitigated by cellular repair mechanisms.
Concept
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules containing oxygen that play dual roles in biological systems, contributing to cellular signaling and defense mechanisms, but also causing oxidative damage when unregulated. Their balance is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis, and imbalances can lead to oxidative stress, implicated in various diseases and aging processes.
Concept
Base Excision Repair (BER) is a cellular mechanism that repairs damaged DNA throughout the cell cycle by removing small, non-helix-distorting base lesions from the genome. It is essential for maintaining genomic stability and preventing mutations that could lead to diseases such as cancer.
Concept
Mismatch repair is a critical cellular process that corrects errors introduced during DNA replication, ensuring genomic stability and preventing mutations. Defects in this repair mechanism are linked to various cancers, particularly Lynch syndrome, highlighting its importance in maintaining DNA integrity.
Concept
Genomic instability refers to the increased rate of mutations within the genome, which can lead to cancer development and progression. It encompasses a range of genetic alterations, including chromosomal rearrangements, point mutations, and aneuploidy, often resulting from defects in DNA repair mechanisms.
Concept
Mutagenesis is the process by which the genetic information of an organism is changed, resulting in a mutation, which can occur naturally or be induced by external factors. This process is crucial for understanding genetic variation, evolution, and can be applied in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology for purposes like improving crop resistance or studying disease mechanisms.
Concept
Oxidative stress is a condition characterized by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to detoxify these harmful byproducts, leading to cellular damage. It is implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting the importance of antioxidants in maintaining cellular health.
Concept
Cellular metabolism comprises all chemical reactions within cells that enable them to maintain life, grow, reproduce, and respond to their environments. It is divided into catabolic pathways that break down molecules to release energy and anabolic pathways that build complex molecules from simpler ones.
Concept
DNA repair pathways are crucial mechanisms that maintain genomic integrity by correcting DNA damage caused by environmental factors and normal cellular processes. These pathways involve a series of complex, coordinated actions that detect damage, signal its presence, and initiate repair processes to prevent mutations and genomic instability.
Concept
Cancer biology is the study of the cellular and molecular basis of cancer, focusing on how normal cell processes are altered to produce malignant cells. This field seeks to understand the genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors that drive the transformation of normal cells into cancerous ones and the mechanisms that enable tumor progression and metastasis.
Concept
Replication stress refers to the slowing or stalling of DNA replication due to various endogenous or exogenous factors, leading to genomic instability. This stress can result in DNA damage and is a significant contributor to cancer development and progression.
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