This document discusses the comet assay, a gel electrophoresis technique used to detect DNA damage at the single-cell level. It was developed in 1984 as a way to measure single and double-strand DNA breaks, base damage, and apoptotic nuclei. The comet assay involves embedding cells in agarose on a microscope slide, lysing them, and running an electric current to pull negatively charged DNA fragments toward the anode. Broken DNA migrates from the nucleus, resembling a comet with a bright head and tail, allowing measurement of DNA damage. The assay is widely used to evaluate genotoxicity of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and environmental contaminants.