Most cells will not follow this activation process but will go through detoxification in which cells will take away these adducts. This process will excrete the carcinogen breakdown products in harmless forms. The DNA can be repaired by nucleotide excision repair pathways. This Nucleotide Excision Repair Pathway has 4 main steps. The first step involves DNA damage recognition, then incision on both sides of the damaged DNA lesion and removal of the DNA fragment. After this, new DNA is synthesized and the gap is filled. The open ends of the DNA are closed and the removal process is complete.