DNA lesions

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Term: DNA lesionsDefinition: Damage to the DNA molecule that can lead to mutations or cell death.Phonetic Pronunciation: (dee-en-AY LEE-zhonz)Origin: The term "DNA" is derived from "deoxyribonucleic acid," which was coined in the early 20th century from the components of the molecule. "Lesion" comes from the Latin "laesio," meaning "injury" or "hurt," reflecting the damage that these changes represent to the DNA structure.Significance in Asbestos Context: Asbestos exposure can cause DNA lesions, which are critical in the development of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Understanding the mechanisms by which asbestos induces these lesions is crucial for assessing risk and developing treatments.Example Sentence: Studies have shown that asbestos fibers can directly cause DNA lesions, increasing the likelihood of cancer development in exposed individuals.Related Terms: Mutation, carcinogenesis, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, asbestos-related disease.Notes: - DNA lesions are not visible under a standard microscope but can be detected through specialized techniques. - Not all DNA lesions lead to cancer; the body has repair mechanisms that can fix many types of damage.