Cells employ multiple mechanisms to maintain genomic stability:
1. DNA Repair Mechanisms: These include nucleotide excision repair, base excision repair, and mismatch repair, which correct errors that occur during DNA replication. 2. Cell Cycle Checkpoints: These checkpoints ensure that damaged DNA is repaired before the cell proceeds to the next phase of the cell cycle. 3. Telomere Maintenance: Telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes and prevent them from deteriorating or fusing with neighboring chromosomes.
