DNA ADDUCTS Meaning and
Definition
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DNA adducts are chemical modifications that occur when a foreign substance binds to DNA molecules in living cells. These adducts can have detrimental effects on DNA structure and function, potentially leading to genetic mutations or other forms of DNA damage. They are typically formed as a result of exposure to certain environmental agents, such as chemical carcinogens or toxins.
The process of DNA adduct formation involves the covalent attachment of the foreign substance, known as the adduct, to the DNA molecule. This attachment alters the normal structure of DNA, potentially interfering with its replication, transcription, or repair processes. Depending on the nature of the adduct, it can cause a variety of effects, ranging from minor disruptions to severe DNA damage, including DNA strand breaks.
DNA adducts are often seen as biomarkers of exposure to genotoxic substances, as their presence can indicate past or ongoing exposure to potentially harmful agents. Studying and detecting specific DNA adducts can therefore provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of DNA damage and its role in the development of diseases, such as cancer.
Understanding DNA adducts is crucial for various fields, including toxicology, environmental science, and molecular biology. Researchers continue to investigate the formation, repair, and consequences of DNA adducts with the aim of improving risk assessment, developing new therapeutic approaches, and preventing DNA damage-related diseases.
Common Misspellings for DNA ADDUCTS
- sna adducts
- xna adducts
- cna adducts
- fna adducts
- rna adducts
- ena adducts
- dba adducts
- dma adducts
- dja adducts
- dha adducts
- dnz adducts
- dns adducts
- dnw adducts
- dnq adducts
- dna zdducts
- dna sdducts
- dna wdducts
- dna qdducts
- dna asducts
- dna axducts
Etymology of DNA ADDUCTS
The term "DNA adducts" is derived from two different sources.
The term "DNA" stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, which is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and many viruses. The term "DNA" was coined in the early 1900s by the scientists Friedrich Miescher and Phoebus Levene when they first discovered and began studying this molecule.
The term "adducts" comes from the Latin word "adductus", which means "drawn toward" or "brought together". In chemistry, an adduct refers to a chemical compound that is formed by the addition of one or more molecules to another. In the case of DNA adducts, it signifies the attachment or binding of a chemical or molecule to the DNA molecule.
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