DNA Fragmentation
DNA Fragmentation refers to the process where the DNA molecule breaks into smaller pieces. This can occur naturally during cell division or as a result of damage from environmental factors like radiation or chemicals. Fragmentation can affect how genes are expressed and can lead to various cellular outcomes, including cell death.
In research and medical contexts, DNA Fragmentation is often measured to assess cell health. High levels of fragmentation can indicate issues such as apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, or necrosis, which is uncontrolled cell death. Understanding this process is crucial for studying diseases like cancer.