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Credit: RGBStock / Robert Linder |
Neither Mendel nor Charles Darwin knew anything about the incredible molecule of life, DNA. Today, papers are published daily in science journals describing new discoveries of DNA’s role as a regulator and repairman.To read the entire article, click on "DNA Paramedics Repair Chromosomes". You may also want to read about problem-solvers in our blood at "Lymphocytes on Patrol".
Scientists have known for decades that DNA can be damaged by too much sun (UV radiation) or exposure to harmful chemicals and carcinogens. Upon examination of damaged DNA, the researchers discovered that whole families of submicroscopic repair enzymes (tiny machines) were constantly restoring the damaged DNA. It has been estimated that as many as one million individual molecular lesions (trauma) of DNA occur per cell per day that need repair.
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