Final answer:
DNA repair systems facilitate the reversal of damage to our hereditary material before a permanent mutation can occur. Nucleotide excision repair is one example of a repair mechanism that replaces damaged bases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The DNA repair systems facilitate the reversal of damage to our hereditary material before a permanent mutation can occur. These repair mechanisms are responsible for correcting mistakes made during DNA replication and repairing damage caused by mutagens, such as chemicals and radiation. One example of a repair mechanism is nucleotide excision repair, where enzymes recognize and replace damaged bases, preventing permanent mutations.