Intrinsic Mutagenesis: An Elementary Discussion at the Level of Molecular Biology

Abstract

The DNA of any organism is incredibly complex, dynamic, and controlled. Segments of the double helix are continually being unwound and transcribed to RNA. Damage by radiation, by free radicals, and by chemical molecules reactive with DNA is constantly occurring. At intervals the whole fantastic process of mitosis, with all its possibilities of breaks, wrong connections, and so on, is initiated and completed. Every one of these functions requires the constant activity of enzymes, each functioning at the right place and the right time. How many enzymes there are, how they function, and how their amount, rate of synthesis, and specific localization are controlled—these are known in rather elementary outline for E. coli, with confirmation from some other bacteria. When specifically looked for, most of the enzymes defined for E. coli have been shown to be present in mammalian; including human, cells.