SOS RESPONSES Meaning and
Definition
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SOS responses refer to the set of cellular mechanisms or processes that are activated in response to various forms of stress or damage to the genetic material within a cell, usually DNA. The term "SOS" stands for "Save Our Souls" or "Save Our Ships," denoting the critical importance of these responses in ensuring the survival and proper functioning of cells. This concept was initially coined in the field of microbiology, particularly in studies of bacterial responses to DNA damage.
SOS responses are highly conserved across different organisms, from bacteria to humans, and involve an intricate network of proteins and signaling pathways. When subjected to stressors such as exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, certain chemicals, or errors during DNA replication, cells activate SOS responses as a protective mechanism. These responses are aimed at preventing additional genetic mutations, maintaining genomic integrity, and restoring normal cellular functions.
The core feature of SOS responses is the induction of genes involved in DNA repair, damage tolerance, and mutagenesis. Activation of specific proteins, such as RecA in bacteria, triggers the cascade of events leading to these responses. DNA repair mechanisms, such as nucleotide excision repair and recombinational repair, play a crucial role in restoring damaged DNA, while the mutagenic pathway allows for limited DNA synthesis across lesions.
Overall, SOS responses are biological processes that allow cells to react and adapt to DNA damage or stress. Their ultimate goal is to promote cell survival and minimize the long-term detrimental effects that can arise from genetic alteration.
Common Misspellings for SOS RESPONSES
- aos responses
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- dos responses
- eos responses
- wos responses
- sis responses
- sks responses
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- s0s responses
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- sos desponses
Etymology of SOS RESPONSES
The etymology of the term "SOS responses" can be traced back to the use of the Morse code distress signal "SOS" in telegraphy and later in radio communication. The SOS signal was introduced as an international distress signal in 1905 and is commonly associated with emergency situations.
In molecular biology and genetics, the term "SOS response" is used to describe a DNA repair mechanism that is activated when a cell experiences significant DNA damage or stress. This term was coined to draw an analogy between the cellular response to DNA damage and the emergency distress call in telecommunication. The concept of the SOS response was introduced in the early 1970s, and it has since been extensively studied in the field of molecular biology.
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