Question

Describe why non-homologous end joining can be more detrimental to a cell to correct DS DNA breaks as compared to homologous recombination.

Answer 1

The non homologous end joining during DS DNA repair is prone to make errors than that with homologous recombination . In non homologous DNA repair, the process is less selective and more rapid by directily ligating the site of damage without using complimentary template. This can cause deletion or insertion of base pairs at the site and can lead to mutation. In contrast the homologous recombination will use DNA sequences that are similar to the site of damage and that will not likely cause any mutation. So non homologous DNA repair is detrimental.