Factor preserves DNA integrity in bacteria despite assault from antibiotics
Friday, May 20, 2016 - 09:31
in Biology & Nature
A key biochemical enables bacteria to repair otherwise fatal damage to their DNA, including that caused by antibiotics, report scientists. The study results revolve around the delicacy of DNA molecules, the letters making up the genetic code. Experts estimate that DNA is damaged thousands of times an hour in each bacterial cell, and perhaps a million times a day in a human cell with larger, more complicated DNA chains. Sunlight and toxins do much of the damage, but the biggest culprit may be highly reactive byproducts created as cells use oxygen to turn sugar into energy.