How DNA is damaged by external electric fields: selective mutation vs. random degradation†
Abstract
DNA is constantly exposed to exogenous agents that randomly damage the genetic code. However, external perturbations might also be used to induce malignant cell death if the mutation processes are controlled. The present communication reports a set of parameters allowing DNA mutation through the use of intense external electric fields. This is a step towards the design of pulsed electric field therapy for genetic diseases.