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Telomeres shorten with each cellular replication; telomere length is inversely proportional to age. While telomere extension does tend to make cells "young again", telomere extension is problematic for a treatment for age because many kinds of cancer replicate indefinitely due in part to the fact they have overactive telomerase, a protein that extends the telomeres. Until the link between cancer and telomeres is understood, telomere extension therapy will not be feasible.

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How may the degradation of telomeres result in cellular aging?

It is speculated that shortening of telomeres could be the cause of aging, or could be speeding the aging process up. It is known that telomeres preserve the life of the cell and may even extend the life of the cell. To understand how aging of the cell happens, we have to look back at the life of the chromosome. The cell divides and the telomeres continue to get shorter and shorter until it reaches such a critical length that the cell loses its ability to divide. Some cells might die or as mentioned earlier, they will lose their reproductive capability, or cellular senescence. Cellular senescence will have an overall affect on the organism, contributing to decline of tissue function that is the main trait of aging. Therefore, it is right to assume that telomere dysfunction which leads to senescence, has an effect on the aging process.


What is the protective cap of DNA on the tip of chromosomes?

The telomere is the protective cap of DNA on the tip of chromosomes. You lose a small amount of these telomeres each time the cell divides. Eventually the telomeres be lost as you age. Short chromosomes because of lack telomeres are one reason aging occurs.


Is a repetitive sequence at the end of each human chromosome?

Yes, each human chromosome has a repetitive sequence at its ends called telomeres. These telomeres protect the chromosome from degradation and prevent it from fusing with neighboring chromosomes. As cells divide, telomeres shorten, which is associated with aging and limits the number of times a cell can divide. When telomeres become critically short, the cell may enter a state of senescence or undergo apoptosis.


What are tips of chromosomes called?

The tips of chromosomes are called telomeres. They are repetitive sequences of DNA that protect the ends of chromosomes from deterioration or fusion with neighboring chromosomes. Telomeres play a crucial role in cellular aging and stability, as they shorten with each cell division. When telomeres become too short, the cell can undergo senescence or apoptosis.


What happens when telomeres shorten?

When telomeres shorten, the cell's ability to divide and replicate gradually diminishes. This can lead to cellular senescence or programmed cell death (apoptosis), ultimately impacting tissue regeneration and overall aging. Shortened telomeres are also associated with an increased risk of age-related diseases like cancer and cardiovascular conditions.


Replication of telomers and its segnificance in aging?

Maintaining telomere length has been associates with aging. The enzyme telomerase adds nucleotides to the ends of telomeres thereby maintaining their length. This enzyme is able to function only until a certain limit, called the Heyflick limit (named after the person who first reported this phenomenon). When the heyflick limit is reached, telomeres cannot be enzymatically lengthened and are programmed for death


What part of the chromosome might be involved with processes such as aging and cancer?

Telomeres, located at the ends of chromosomes, play a role in aging and cancer. They protect the chromosome from degradation and help regulate cell division. Loss of telomere function has been associated with both aging and cancer development.


What is the name of special DNA sequences located at the ends of chromosomes whose erosion contributes to cellular aging and death?

Telomeres are the special DNA sequences located at the ends of chromosomes that protect them from deterioration and contribute to aging and cell death when they become too short. Telomeres gradually shorten with each cell division, eventually reaching a critical length that triggers cellular senescence or death.


What is the aging?

Aging is the most common form of degenerative disease. It infects everyone and is 100% fatal. Although long looked at as a natural process, there has been significant progress in combating it's effects. It is thought to be caused by a decrease in the length of telomeres in the process of cell replication.


How does the end replication problem and telomerase affect aging in humans?

The end replication problem refers to the gradual shortening of telomeres, which are protective caps at the end of chromosomes, with each cell division. Telomerase is an enzyme that can rebuild telomeres, but its activity is often reduced in aging cells. This leads to cell senescence, reduced tissue repair, and contributes to the aging process in humans.


Tip of chromosomes that are rounded and sealed?

The tips of chromosomes are called telomeres, which are protective structures that consist of repetitive DNA sequences and associated proteins. Telomeres prevent the degradation of the chromosome ends during DNA replication and protect the genetic information from being lost or fused with other chromosomes. As cells divide, telomeres shorten, which is associated with aging and cellular senescence. Once they become too short, the cell can no longer divide, leading to a state of growth arrest.


What kind of scientist was elizabeth blackburn?

Elizabeth Blackburn is a molecular biologist known for her groundbreaking work on telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that play a crucial role in cellular aging and stability. She was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2009, along with Carol Greider and Jack Szostak, for their discoveries related to telomeres and the enzyme telomerase. Her research has significantly advanced our understanding of cancer and the biology of aging. Additionally, Blackburn has been an advocate for science education and research integrity.