Cells employ several mechanisms to counteract environmental stress: - Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs): These proteins help refold damaged proteins and prevent the aggregation of misfolded proteins. - Antioxidant Enzymes: Enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS). - DNA Repair Mechanisms: Systems like nucleotide excision repair (NER) correct DNA damage caused by stressors.
