Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
DNA Repair Pathways
DNA repair pathways are cellular mechanisms that identify and correct damage to the DNA molecule. These pathways are crucial for maintaining genomic stability and preventing mutations that could lead to diseases such as cancer. Different types of damage, such as single-strand breaks, double-strand breaks, and base modifications, are repaired by specific pathways, including nucleotide excision repair, base excision repair, and homologous recombination.
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SOS Response in Bacteria
The SOS response is a global response to DNA damage in bacteria, particularly in Escherichia coli. When DNA is heavily damaged, the SOS response is activated, leading to the expression of several genes involved in DNA repair and mutagenesis. This pathway allows bacteria to tolerate and repair extensive DNA damage, often through error-prone repair mechanisms that can introduce mutations but also enable survival under stress.
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Homologous Recombination
Homologous recombination is a precise DNA repair mechanism that uses a homologous sequence as a template to repair double-strand breaks. This pathway is essential for maintaining genetic integrity, especially in organisms with complex genomes. In bacteria, homologous recombination can also facilitate the exchange of genetic material, contributing to genetic diversity and adaptation.
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Recombination after Single Strand Breaks