Pyrimidine Dimers

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Pyrimidine dimer is an intrastrand DNA cross-link, induced by exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight). Two types of dimers are formed, depending on whether DNA is single-stranded or duplex. Pyrimidine dimers block both DNA replication and transcription and have to be removed to return DNA to its functional state. Multiple DNA repair mechanisms are known to remove pyrimidine dimers and individual organisms usually have at least two different ones. In humans, defects in pyrimidine dimer removal cause disease and cancer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationBrenner's Encyclopedia of Genetics
Subtitle of host publicationSecond Edition
PublisherElsevier Inc.
Pages538-539
Number of pages2
ISBN (Electronic)9780080961569
ISBN (Print)9780123749840
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 27 2013

Keywords

  • DNA polymerase
  • DNA repair
  • DNA replication
  • Melanoma
  • RNA polymerase
  • Strand exchange
  • Sunlight
  • Thymine dimer
  • Transcription
  • Ultraviolet light
  • Xeroderma pigmentosum

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Medicine

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