DNA adduct

<p>In <a href="/facts/Molecular_genetics/Q8wsm0FE">molecular genetics</a>, a DNA adduct is a segment of <a href="/facts/DNA/nB89Iauz">DNA</a> bound to a <a href="/facts/Carcinogen/soH8Y9CE">cancer-causing chemical</a>. This process could lead to the development of cancerous cells, or <a href="/facts/Carcinogenesis/PC8wc1Mf">carcinogenesis</a>. DNA adducts in scientific experiments are used as <a href="/facts/Biomarker/nk2LgXtq">biomarkers</a> of exposure. They are especially useful in quantifying an organism's exposure to a carcinogen. The presence of such an adduct indicates prior exposure to a potential carcinogen, but it does not necessarily indicate the presence of cancer in the subject animal.
</p><p>DNA adducts are researched in laboratory settings. A typical experimental design for studying DNA adducts is to induce them with known <a href="/facts/Carcinogen/soH8Y9CE">carcinogens</a>. A scientific journal will often incorporate the name of the carcinogen with their experimental design. For example, the term "DMBA-DNA adduct" in a scientific journal refers to a piece of DNA that has DMBA (<a href="/facts/7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene/nPmMJGs3">7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene</a>) attached to it.  
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DNA adduct open-in-new

DNA adduct