Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 40m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 20m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 52m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 57m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

14. DNA Synthesis

DNA Repair

General Biology

14. DNA Synthesis

DNA Repair

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0:35 minutes

Problem 8c`

Textbook Question

What aspect of DNA structure makes it possible for the proteins of nucleotide excision repair to recognize many different types of DNA damage?
(c) the energy differences between correct and incorrect base pairs

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the basic structure of DNA: DNA is composed of two strands forming a double helix, with each strand consisting of a sequence of nucleotides. Each nucleotide includes a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine).

Recognize the importance of base pairing: In the DNA double helix, the nitrogenous bases pair specifically (adenine with thymine, and cytosine with guanine) through hydrogen bonds. This specific pairing is crucial for the integrity and function of DNA.

Identify the role of nucleotide excision repair: Nucleotide excision repair is a mechanism that identifies and repairs damaged DNA. It is capable of recognizing a wide variety of DNA lesions, including those caused by UV light and chemical mutagens.

Explore how DNA damage affects base pairing: Damage to DNA often disrupts the normal base pairing, creating mismatches or distortions in the DNA structure. These disruptions can be recognized by repair proteins.

Explain the energy differences between correct and incorrect base pairs: Correct base pairs have stable hydrogen bonds and fit well within the DNA helix, while incorrect base pairs may have weaker or fewer hydrogen bonds, leading to structural distortions. These energy differences and structural changes help repair proteins identify and target damaged areas for repair.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

DNA Structure

DNA is composed of two strands forming a double helix, with nucleotides containing bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) paired specifically (A-T and C-G). This structure is crucial for maintaining genetic information and allows for the detection of mismatches or irregularities, which are indicative of damage.

Nucleotide Excision Repair

Nucleotide excision repair is a DNA repair mechanism that identifies and removes damaged bases, particularly those caused by UV light or chemical exposure. It involves recognizing distortions in the DNA helix, excising the damaged section, and filling the gap with the correct nucleotides, ensuring genomic integrity.

Base Pairing Energy Differences

Correct base pairs have specific hydrogen bonding patterns and energy levels that stabilize the DNA structure. Incorrect base pairs disrupt this stability, creating energy differences that can be detected by repair proteins. These differences help nucleotide excision repair proteins identify and target damaged or mismatched bases for correction.