In toxicology, understanding DSBs is crucial because many environmental and pharmaceutical agents can induce this type of DNA damage. For instance:
Ionizing Radiation: Sources such as X-rays and gamma rays can cause DSBs, leading to potential carcinogenic effects. Chemical Agents: Substances like bleomycin, a chemotherapy drug, and certain environmental toxins can induce DSBs. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): These highly reactive molecules can result from normal cellular metabolism or from exposure to toxins, causing oxidative stress that leads to DSBs.
