Double-Strand Break Repair

Double-strand break repair is the process cells use to fix serious damage to their DNA where both strands of the DNA helix are broken. The cell recognizes the damage and activates repair mechanisms, primarily homologous recombination or non-homologous end joining. Homologous recombination uses a similar DNA sequence as a template to accurately fix the break, making it precise. Non-homologous end joining directly stitches the broken ends together, which can be quicker but may introduce errors. These repair processes are crucial for maintaining genetic stability and preventing diseases like cancer.