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Nonhomologous end joining is a mechanism that ensures that DNA double-strand breaks are repaired with a high degree of fidelity to the original DNA sequence.

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Final answer:

Nonhomologous end joining is a DNA repair mechanism that accurately repairs DNA double-strand breaks without any deletions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nonhomologous end joining is a DNA repair mechanism that ensures the accurate repair of DNA double-strand breaks without any deletions. When a DNA double-strand break occurs, nucleotides are hydrolyzed from the ends of both strands, leaving blunt ends. Then, several proteins, including Ku, bring the DNA strands together and further hydrolyze single DNA strands to create staggered ends. The overlapping ends of the DNA strands form hydrogen bonds and are sealed by DNA ligase. This repair mechanism is important for maintaining the integrity of the DNA sequence.

User Kenaniah
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