Schematic (IMAGE) Optica Caption In cell nucleus, DNA is wound around cores made of histone proteins. One of the histone proteins, H2AX, plays important role in recognition of DNA damage. This schematic shows what the researchers suspect is happening to DNA molecules when exposed to strong pulses of THz radiation. The upper row is immediately following the pulse when the strand of DNA is broken. The lower portion shows the H2AX molecules around the break site 1 - 3 minutes later after they are "flagged" by the attachment of a phosphate group, which signals that DNA damage has taken place. Credit Credit: Ayesheshim K. Ayesheshim. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.