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Reference.org
Adaptive response
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<p>The adaptive response is a DNA damage response pathway prevalent across bacteria that protects DNA from damage by external agents or by errors during replication. It is initiated specifically against <a href="/facts/Alkylation/1rd5SNbt">alkylation</a>, particularly <a href="/facts/Methylation/EvDMWVW5">methylation</a>, of <a href="/facts/Guanine/hoTSpz0x">guanine</a> or <a href="/facts/Thymine/A5C8MnLN">thymine</a> <a href="/facts/Nucleotide/pQKEwlJI">nucleotides</a> or <a href="/facts/Phosphate/FDGVCxUG">phosphate</a> groups on the sugar-phosphate backbone of <a href="/facts/DNA/nB89Iauz">DNA</a>. Under sustained exposure to low-level treatment with <a href="/facts/Alkylating_agent/1rd5SNbt">alkylating</a> <a href="/facts/Mutagen/xI5lKvmp">mutagens</a>, bacteria can adapt to the presence of the mutagen, rendering subsequent treatment with high doses of the same agent less effective. </p>