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Ch. 11 - Gene Mutation, DNA Repair, and Homologous Recombination
Sanders - Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach 3rd Edition
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 11, Problem 6c

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is mutagenic.
Identify and describe two DNA repair mechanisms that remove UV-induced DNA lesions.

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1
Understand that UV radiation can cause DNA damage, such as the formation of pyrimidine dimers (e.g., thymine dimers), which distort the DNA structure and interfere with replication and transcription.
Learn about the first DNA repair mechanism: nucleotide excision repair (NER). This process involves the recognition of the distorted DNA helix, excision of the damaged segment, and synthesis of a new DNA strand using the undamaged strand as a template. The key steps include: (1) damage recognition by proteins, (2) excision of a short single-stranded DNA segment containing the lesion, (3) DNA polymerase filling the gap, and (4) DNA ligase sealing the nick.
Explore the second DNA repair mechanism: photoreactivation. This is a direct repair process where the enzyme photolyase binds to UV-induced pyrimidine dimers and uses energy from visible light to break the covalent bonds between the dimerized bases, restoring the original DNA structure.
Compare the two mechanisms: NER is a general repair pathway that can fix a wide range of bulky DNA lesions, while photoreactivation is specific to UV-induced pyrimidine dimers and requires light activation.
Consider the biological significance: These repair mechanisms are crucial for maintaining genomic integrity and preventing mutations that could lead to diseases such as cancer.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

UV-Induced DNA Lesions

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause specific types of DNA damage, primarily forming pyrimidine dimers, such as thymine dimers. These lesions distort the DNA structure, leading to replication errors and potential mutations if not repaired. Understanding the nature of these lesions is crucial for comprehending how cells respond to UV damage.
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Induced Mutations

Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER)

Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER) is a critical DNA repair mechanism that recognizes and removes bulky DNA lesions, including those caused by UV radiation. The process involves the excision of a short single-stranded DNA segment containing the damage, followed by DNA synthesis to fill the gap. NER is essential for maintaining genomic stability and preventing mutations.
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Repair Pathways

Photoreactivation

Photoreactivation is a light-dependent DNA repair mechanism that directly reverses UV-induced pyrimidine dimers. This process involves the enzyme photolyase, which binds to the dimer and, upon absorbing blue light, cleaves the bond between the pyrimidines, restoring the DNA to its original state. This repair pathway is particularly effective in organisms exposed to sunlight.