Individuals with the disorder xeroderma pigmentosum are hypersensitive to sunlight.What function is impaired in their cells?
A)They cannot replicate DNA.
B)They cannot undergo mitosis.
C)They cannot exchange DNA with other cells.
D)They cannot repair thymine dimers.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Xeroderma pigmentosum is caused by a deficiency in the nucleotide excision repair pathway, which is responsible for repairing DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. Thymine dimers, which are a common form of UV-induced DNA damage, cannot be repaired in individuals with xeroderma pigmentosum, leading to cellular damage and, eventually, skin cancer.

Individuals with the Disorder Xeroderma Pigmentosum Are Hypersensitive to Sunlight