Final answer:
Non-homologous end joining is the DNA repair mechanism that can repair double-stranded breaks (DSBs) without needing an intact copy of the damaged DNA molecule.
Step-by-step explanation:
Non-homologous end joining is the DNA repair mechanism that can repair double-stranded breaks (DSBs) without needing an intact copy of the damaged DNA molecule. This repair pathway involves the direct joining of broken DNA ends, often leading to small insertions or deletions. Unlike homologous recombination, which requires a homologous copy of the damaged DNA sequence, non-homologous end joining can repair DSBs by simply rejoining the broken ends without the need for a template.