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They do. If they didn't, we would essentially be able to continuously have our cells reproduce allowing us to live forever assuming we weren't affected by something else.

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Why would a cancer cell need to induce angiogenesis?

As telomeres get shorter a cell loses the ability to divide


Why do the telomeres shorten?

Telomeres shorten primarily due to the end replication problem during DNA replication, where the enzymes that replicate DNA cannot fully replicate the ends of linear chromosomes. Additionally, factors like oxidative stress and cellular aging contribute to telomere shortening. As cells divide, telomeres become progressively shorter, eventually leading to cellular senescence or apoptosis when they reach a critical length. This shortening process is linked to aging and the development of age-related diseases.


Ends of chromosomes that get shorter each time a cell divides?

Telomeres are the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division due to the replication process not reaching the very end of the DNA strand. This shortening eventually leads to cellular senescence and eventually cell death. Telomeres play a crucial role in protecting the DNA and maintaining chromosome stability.


How long are human telomeres?

Human telomeres typically measure about 8,000 to 10,000 base pairs in length at birth. As cells divide over time, telomeres gradually shorten, which is associated with aging and cellular senescence. In most somatic cells, telomeres can shorten to around 1,500 to 3,000 base pairs by the time an individual reaches old age. However, certain stem cells and cancer cells can maintain or even lengthen their telomeres through specific mechanisms.


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.

Related Questions

Is obesity related to telomeres?

Yes. We all begin as 1 cell and as it divides the telomeres become shorter. Larger people have more cells than smaller people and therefore have shorter telomeres.


Does the biological clock dictate when you die?

The length of your telomeres may have a lot do with the "biological clock". Telomeres are sequences of non-coding ("junk") sequences at the end of your chromosomes. Because your DNA gets a little bit shorter every time it replicates, your telomeres get shorter and shorter as you age. Once these telomeres are gone you will have more difficulty replicating DNA. The biological clock refers to your circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep/wake cycles. It is controlled by melatonin secretions by the pineal gland. In popular usage, it may also refer to a woman's age in relation to her fertility. Another words, yes/no, depends on your life style/habbits and many other factors/heir is low, but is a factor.


Why would a cancer cell need to induce angiogenesis?

As telomeres get shorter a cell loses the ability to divide


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.


Why do the telomeres shorten?

Telomeres shorten primarily due to the end replication problem during DNA replication, where the enzymes that replicate DNA cannot fully replicate the ends of linear chromosomes. Additionally, factors like oxidative stress and cellular aging contribute to telomere shortening. As cells divide, telomeres become progressively shorter, eventually leading to cellular senescence or apoptosis when they reach a critical length. This shortening process is linked to aging and the development of age-related diseases.


What is the link between telomeres and aging?

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.


Ends of chromosomes that get shorter each time a cell divides?

Telomeres are the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division due to the replication process not reaching the very end of the DNA strand. This shortening eventually leads to cellular senescence and eventually cell death. Telomeres play a crucial role in protecting the DNA and maintaining chromosome stability.


How long are human telomeres?

Human telomeres typically measure about 8,000 to 10,000 base pairs in length at birth. As cells divide over time, telomeres gradually shorten, which is associated with aging and cellular senescence. In most somatic cells, telomeres can shorten to around 1,500 to 3,000 base pairs by the time an individual reaches old age. However, certain stem cells and cancer cells can maintain or even lengthen their telomeres through specific mechanisms.


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.


Does the telomeres serve as a mitotic clock?

Yes, telomeres serve as a mitotic clock by shortening with each cell division. They protect chromosome ends from deterioration or fusion with neighboring chromosomes, but as cells divide, the telomeres become progressively shorter. Once they reach a critical length, the cell can no longer divide and may enter senescence or undergo apoptosis. This mechanism plays a crucial role in regulating cellular lifespan and aging.


When you clone an organism why is it the same age as its genetic parent?

It's not. If done right you have a new organism. But if your source has shortened telomeres (tags on genes), then the resultant offspring will start life with shortened telomeres. It still starts as an infant, but its life expectancy is shortened.


How do telomeres figure into Allhoff's argument against cloning?

Allhoff argues against cloning by highlighting the role of telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. In cloned organisms, telomeres may be shorter than those in naturally conceived individuals, potentially leading to premature aging and health issues. This biological limitation suggests that cloning might not only replicate the genetic material but also inherit the cellular aging process, undermining the potential benefits of cloning. Thus, telomeres serve as a key factor in questioning the viability and ethical implications of cloning.