The comet assay, also known as single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE), is a sensitive and rapid technique for quantifying and analyzing DNA damage in individual cells. This assay gets its name from the comet-like appearance of the DNA migration pattern observed under fluorescence microscopy. In the context of cancer research, the comet assay has become an invaluable tool due to its ability to detect DNA strand breaks and repair mechanisms, which are critical in understanding cancer pathogenesis and therapy responses.
