What is the significance of cellular repair mechanisms in toxicology?
Cells have several repair mechanisms to counteract toxicant-induced damage. DNA repair mechanisms, like base excision repair and nucleotide excision repair, correct DNA damage. Autophagy removes damaged organelles and proteins, while antioxidant systems neutralize ROS. The efficiency of these repair mechanisms determines a cell's ability to recover from toxicant exposure. Failure in these systems can lead to permanent damage, aging, or carcinogenesis.
