how is dna degraded over time?

Question

degradation of dna

Answer 1

DNA is degraded and recycled within the cells with the help of Lysosomes.

Now degradation of DNA means breaking DNA down from macromolecules (complex) to simple molecules or even smaller such as nucleotides: A, T, G, C. These will then be reused by the cells.

Now, certainly there are other things that can break down DNA from complex to simple structure not just Lysosomes but can be also environmental factors such as temperature, pH, UV light, Ultrasonic solutions, enzymes etc....

Answer 2

If you're talking about DNA damage while the cell is still alive:
The biggest cause of damage is water. There is constant hydrolysis and repair of DNA going on. Other types of damage can be caused by UV radiation (typically causes two nucleotides to fuse together), high temperatures, reactive oxygen species, intercalating agents, etc.

If the cell is dead, then DNA is typically degraded by various enzymes including DNases, and because none of the typical repair mechanisms are working, all the things listed above continue to degrade/damage the DNA as well.

Answer 3

It's subject to an aging process. DNA is delicate and the process of mitosis exposes the DNA molecule to stress. Except in meiosis, DNA replicates and ultimately degrades. I know that's the problem with cloning.

Answer 4

there is not REAL answer to this question, however, when DNA is in the process of copying itself a small portion of it is lost due to the fact that every time a primase (type of enzyme) locks on to the strand of DNA to be copied it doesnt just start copying right away. instead the primase starts copying right after it locks on. therefore, over time the DNA tends to get shorter and shorter causing the aging process because if the DNA no longer exists then you wont exist.

Answer 5

You need to refine your question. Do you mean DNA from old dead things (like acids attacking dinosaur DNA) or do you mean DNA in old living things (like me) that lose telomeric DNA, develop thymadine dimers, develop mutations, etc.