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In genetics, crosslinking of DNA occurs when various exogenous or endogenous agents react with two nucleotides of DNA, forming a covalent linkage between them. This crosslink can occur within the same strand or between opposite strands of double-stranded DNA. These adducts interfere with cellular metabolism, such as DNA replication and transcription, triggering cell death. These crosslinks can, however, be repaired through excision or recombination pathways.
DNA crosslinking also has useful merit in chemotherapy and targeting cancerous cells for apoptosis, as well as in understanding how proteins interact with DNA.
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