There are five main types of endogenous DNA damage including oxidation of bases from reactive oxygen species, alkylation of bases such as methylation, and hydrolysis of bases through deamination, depurination, and depyrimidination. DNA can also be damaged through alkylation and oxidation by exogenous sources like radiation exposure. Various mutagens including base analogs, intercalating agents, and UV light-induced thymine dimers further contribute to DNA damage that must be repaired.