DNA and RNA Oxidation:
1. Base Modification:
Oxidative damage to nucleobases, particularly guanine, results in the formation of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG), which is misread by DNA polymerases, leading to mutations.
2. Sugar Backbone Damage:
ROS can break the deoxyribose sugar backbone, leading to strand breaks.
3. Cross-linking:
DNA can also undergo cross-linking, both intrastrand and interstrand, which complicates replication and transcription.
Consequences:
Mutations and genomic instability, increasing the risk of cancer.
Impaired transcription and replication, affecting cell function and viability.