Molecular genetics of DNA repair in higher plants

Damage to DNA occurs in all living things, and the toxicity and/or mutageni city of the damage products are reduced through the activities of one or mo re DNA repair pathways. The mechanisms of DNA repair are best understood in microorganisms and mammals, but the field has recently expanded to include both plants and lower animals. These recent advances in our understanding of the molecular and classical genetics of DNA repair in higher plants incl ude such aspects as the repair of UV-induced pyrimidine dimers, the correct ion of mismatched bases, and the rejoining of double strand breaks.