A single-strand break (SSB) is a form of DNA damage characterized by the disruption of one of the two strands of the DNA helix, resulting in a break that can potentially compromise the integrity of genetic information. SSBs can arise from various sources, including environmental factors like radiation and chemicals, as well as normal cellular processes such as replication and transcription. These breaks are significant because they can lead to further mutations or double-strand breaks if not repaired promptly.
congrats on reading the definition of single-strand break. now let's actually learn it.