DNA Damage Response

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DNA can be damaged by external factors, like UV light and X-rays. Damage can also occur when cells duplicate themselves in a process called cell division. During cell division, the parent cell copies its DNA to make a new version for the new cell. But the copying isn’t always perfect. It’s kind of like tracing a picture. Even with an exact image to copy, the tracer can make mistakes, creating a damaged book of blueprints for the new cell.

Luckily for us, and all other organisms, cells have developed strategies to detect and address DNA damage, regardless of the source.