What process involves removing mutations and adding the correct bases?

The process that involves removing mutations and adding the correct bases is excision repair. This mechanism is critical for maintaining the integrity of genetic information within cells. During excision repair, damaged or mismatched DNA is identified, and the erroneous segment of the DNA strand is removed. Subsequently, the correct nucleotide bases are inserted to restore the DNA to its original, undamaged state, ensuring accurate genetic function.

This process plays a pivotal role in correcting mutations that could lead to cellular dysfunction or diseases, such as cancer. Unlike replication repair—where errors that occur during DNA replication are corrected—excision repair specifically targets pre-existing damage in the DNA that can arise from environmental factors such as UV light or chemicals. Transcription repair and base substitution are not processes that focus on the removal of mutations and the replacement with correct bases. Therefore, excision repair is key in DNA repair mechanisms, helping sustain the fidelity of genetic material.