The correct spelling of "Nucleotide Excision Repair" can be tricky to decipher without some knowledge of its phonetics. "Nucleotide" is pronounced [ˈnjuːklɪətaɪd], with emphasis on the second syllable. "Excision" is pronounced [ɛkˈsɪʒən], with emphasis on the first syllable. Finally, "Repair" is pronounced [rɪˈpɛər]. When pronounced correctly, the word is spelled phonetically as [ˈnjuːklɪətaɪd ɛkˈsɪʒən rɪˈpɛər], which should help ensure proper spelling in any written communication.
Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER) is a highly conserved and versatile DNA repair mechanism in living organisms. It is a cellular process that repairs various types of DNA damage, primarily those caused by chemical modifications and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. NER is essential for maintaining the integrity of the genome and preventing the accumulation of mutations that can lead to a range of diseases, including cancer.
The NER process involves several steps. Firstly, damage recognition proteins identify the site of DNA damage, such as bulky adducts or distortion of the DNA helix. These proteins recruit a set of enzymes that create incisions on both sides of the damaged region, resulting in the removal of a short stretch of DNA containing the damage. After the removal, a DNA polymerase fills in the gap with newly synthesized DNA, using the intact strand as a template. Finally, the DNA strand is ligated by another set of enzymes to restore the integrity of the DNA molecule.
NER is a critical repair mechanism, especially for repairing DNA lesions that distort the overall structure of the DNA helix. It can repair a wide variety of DNA damage, including covalent modifications, such as DNA adducts, and bulky DNA lesions caused by exposure to UV radiation. Furthermore, NER plays a crucial role in repairing DNA damage induced by environmental mutagens and carcinogens, making it crucial for maintaining genomic stability and preventing the development of diseases associated with DNA damage.