Scientists at the University of Rochester recently identified a proteinOne of the four basic types of biomolecule. Proteins are polymers made up of strings of amino acids. Proteins serve many functions in organisms including transport of molecules, structure, cell adhesion and as signaling molecules such as hormones. Many transcription factors, including p53 and Rb are proteins. that helps to repair DNAAbbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid. Composed of very long strings of nucleotides, which are abbreviated as A, C, G and T. DNA is the storage form of our genetic material. All of the instructions for the production of proteins are encoded in our DNA. damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are chemicals that can be formed by exposure to radiationIn cancer biology: A cancer treatment in which high energy beams are used to kill cancer cells. Radiation can also cause genetic damage that can lead to cancer. As an example, skin cancer is believed to be greatly increased by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. but may also occur as a normal byproduct of cellular activities. Importantly, DNA damage caused by ROS can lead to permantent changes, mutations, and trigger the abnormal cell reproduction seen in cancer. The DNA protecting protein, known as SIRT6, is brought to the parts of DNA that have been cut in half by the ROS. Once there, they help to repair the damage. Because cancer results from mutation, it is important to understand how mutations are prevented.
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