Several cellular mechanisms work to maintain genomic stability. These include:
1.
DNA Repair Mechanisms: Cells have various DNA repair pathways such as
base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, and mismatch repair. These pathways detect and correct errors that occur during DNA replication or due to environmental damage.
2.
Cell Cycle Checkpoints: These are surveillance mechanisms that monitor and regulate the progress of the cell cycle. For example, the
G1/S checkpoint ensures that damaged DNA is not replicated, while the G2/M checkpoint prevents cells with damaged DNA from entering mitosis.
3.
Apoptosis: If the DNA damage is irreparable, cells can undergo programmed cell death, or
apoptosis, to prevent the propagation of mutations.
4.
Telomere Maintenance:
Telomeres protect chromosome ends from degradation and fusion. Telomerase activity, particularly in stem cells and cancer cells, helps maintain telomere length, contributing to genomic stability.
