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DNA damage

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Plasma Medicine

Definition

DNA damage refers to the structural alteration of the DNA molecule, which can disrupt its normal function and integrity. This can result from various factors, including environmental stressors like radiation or chemical exposure, and biological processes such as oxidative stress. The significance of DNA damage lies in its potential to trigger cellular responses, leading to apoptosis or necrosis when the damage is irreparable.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. DNA damage can lead to mutations if not properly repaired, potentially resulting in cancer or other genetic disorders.
  2. The body has several mechanisms, like nucleotide excision repair and base excision repair, to fix DNA damage and maintain genomic stability.
  3. Plasma treatment can induce DNA damage in target cells, which can be utilized therapeutically for killing cancer cells.
  4. Different types of DNA damage include single-strand breaks, double-strand breaks, and cross-linking, each requiring specific repair pathways.
  5. Excessive DNA damage can overwhelm cellular repair systems, resulting in a higher likelihood of apoptosis or necrosis depending on the severity.

Review Questions

  • How does DNA damage influence the decision between apoptosis and necrosis in cells?
    • DNA damage influences whether a cell undergoes apoptosis or necrosis by determining the severity of the damage and the cell's ability to repair it. If the damage is mild and repair mechanisms are activated successfully, the cell may survive through repair processes. However, if the DNA damage is extensive and beyond repair, the cell is more likely to activate apoptotic pathways to prevent potential harm to surrounding tissues. This decision-making process is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and preventing the spread of damaged cells.
  • Discuss the role of oxidative stress in causing DNA damage and its potential consequences for cell fate.
    • Oxidative stress plays a significant role in causing DNA damage through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can directly modify DNA bases or cause strand breaks. When cells experience oxidative stress, the accumulation of DNA damage can lead to mutations if not adequately repaired. The consequences for cell fate are critical; if the damage is too severe for repair mechanisms to handle, it may trigger apoptosis to eliminate potentially harmful cells. Conversely, if apoptosis fails or is bypassed, necrosis may occur due to uncontrolled cellular distress.
  • Evaluate how understanding DNA damage responses can enhance therapeutic approaches in plasma medicine.
    • Understanding DNA damage responses provides valuable insights into enhancing therapeutic approaches in plasma medicine by leveraging the mechanisms that underlie cell fate decisions. By designing plasma treatments that induce targeted DNA damage in cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues, clinicians can improve treatment efficacy. Additionally, knowledge about specific repair pathways allows for combination therapies that inhibit repair mechanisms in tumors, making them more susceptible to plasma-induced damage. This strategic manipulation of DNA damage responses opens new avenues for personalized medicine in cancer treatment.
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