WHAT IS DNA?
DNA is like a big instruction book that tells our body how to grow and work. It's found inside almost every cell in your body. Imagine that your body is a big, busy factory, and DNA is like the special guide or blueprint that gives directions on how to build everything and make sure everything works.
DNA is made up of tiny pieces called "building blocks" that are arranged in a special order, kind of like how letters make up words. These building blocks are called "bases," and there are four different kinds: A, T, C, and G. They work together in pairs, like a puzzle, to form long, twisty ladders called "double helixes."
Just like a recipe tells you how to bake a cake, DNA tells your body how to do things like grow your hair, make your heart beat, or give you your eye color. And because everyone has their own unique DNA, that's why everyone looks a little different!
DOUBLE STRAND BREAKS
Imagine that DNA is like a long, twisty ladder inside our cells, and each step of the ladder is made up of tiny building blocks. Sometimes, the ladder can break into two pieces, like if you snapped a real ladder in half. This is called a "double strand break."
When this happens, the cell gets really
busy trying to fix it, because the broken DNA pieces can cause problems. The cell has special tools to help glue the pieces back together so the ladder works
properly again.
However, fixing DNA can be tricky, and if the pieces don’t get fixed correctly, it might lead to mistakes or problems for the cell, kind of like how a broken ladder wouldn't be safe to climb. That’s why our cells work hard to fix DNA breaks to keep us healthy!
HOW RADON GAS CAUSES DOUBLE STRAND BREAKS
Radon gas is something you can't see, smell, or taste, but it's found in the air, especially in some homes. It's a kind of invisible gas that comes from the ground and can get trapped in buildings.
Now, radon is special because it can be harmful to our cells. When we breathe it
in, tiny parts of the gas can get inside our body. These tiny parts can be very powerful and can hit the DNA in our cells, like tiny little balls knocking into a ladder.
When radon hits the DNA, it can break the "steps" of the ladder, causing a double strand break. This is like snapping a ladder into two pieces! The cell tries to fix the ladder, but sometimes it can’t fix it perfectly, which can cause problems for the cell. If the DNA is not fixed right, it can lead to diseases like cancer.
That’s why it's important to be careful about radon, especially in places where it can build up. Just like we wear seat belts
to stay safe, we also have ways to check
for radon in our homes to help keep our bodies safe!