0
When a cell divides by mitosis, a small segment of DNA is lost from the telomere end during division.
Telomerase is an enzyme that allows this short bit to be replaced. Therefore in the presence of this enzyme, each cell can replace the lost bit of DNA when it divides. This allows cells to divide without any limit.
This unlimited growth property is an important step in the development of cancerous growth.
What else can I help you with?
When is telomerase active?
Telomerase is typically active during cell division to maintain the length of telomeres, which are protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. In most somatic cells, telomerase activity is low or absent, but in stem cells, germ cells, and cancer cells, telomerase is more active to prevent telomere shortening.
Are there any types of human body cells where telomerase activation would be advantageous or even necessary?
Yes, telomerase activation can be advantageous in certain types of human body cells, particularly stem cells and germ cells. In these cells, telomerase helps maintain telomere length, allowing for continuous division and the potential for tissue regeneration and repair. Additionally, in some cancer therapies, telomerase inhibitors are being explored to target cancer cells, which often express telomerase to sustain their rapid proliferation. However, excessive telomerase activity can also contribute to tumorigenesis, so its regulation is critical.
What is telomerase. In what cells is telomerase normally functioning?
Telomerase is an enzyme that adds repetitive nucleotide sequences to the ends of chromosomes, known as telomeres, thereby preventing their shortening during cell division. It is primarily active in stem cells, germ cells, and certain types of cancer cells, allowing these cells to maintain their ability to divide indefinitely. In most somatic cells, telomerase activity is low or absent, leading to gradual telomere shortening and eventual cellular aging.
What kinds of organisms require teleomerase?
Telomerase is primarily required by organisms that have cells capable of unlimited division, such as stem cells, germ cells, and many cancer cells. In these cells, telomerase helps maintain the length of telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. While most somatic cells in higher organisms lack significant telomerase activity and undergo a limited number of divisions, certain unicellular organisms, like yeast and some protozoa, also rely on telomerase for their reproductive and longevity processes.
What does the telomerase enzyme do?
Telomerase maintains the telomeres of chromosomes in order to prevent cell death. This enzyme added sequences onto the ends of the chromosomes, thereby preventing extreme shortening and loss of genetic material. In a way, telomerase would give cells immortal life, by continuously regenerating its ends. However, telomerase are usually inactive in the human body because normal cells do not divide frequently, and therefore, the chromosomes do not shorten.
When is telomerase active?
Telomerase is typically active during cell division to maintain the length of telomeres, which are protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. In most somatic cells, telomerase activity is low or absent, but in stem cells, germ cells, and cancer cells, telomerase is more active to prevent telomere shortening.
What is telomerase. In what cells is telomerase normally functioning?
Telomerase is an enzyme that adds repetitive nucleotide sequences to the ends of chromosomes, known as telomeres, thereby preventing their shortening during cell division. It is primarily active in stem cells, germ cells, and certain types of cancer cells, allowing these cells to maintain their ability to divide indefinitely. In most somatic cells, telomerase activity is low or absent, leading to gradual telomere shortening and eventual cellular aging.
Is telomerase active in somatic cells?
No, telomerase is typically not active in somatic cells.
At what end of the DNA does telomerase extend?
Telomerase extends the end of DNA at the telomeres.
What has the author Natalie Albert written?
Natalie Albert has written: 'Inducing senescence in cancer cells by inhibiting telomerase activity using telomestatin'
Is the structure of telomerase solved till now?
Americans Elizabeth H. Blackburn, Carol W. Greider and Jack W. Szostak for discovering how chromosomes protect themselves as cells divide, work that has inspired experimental cancer therapies and may offer insights into aging in short the telomerase activity.
What kinds of organisms require teleomerase?
Telomerase is primarily required by organisms that have cells capable of unlimited division, such as stem cells, germ cells, and many cancer cells. In these cells, telomerase helps maintain the length of telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. While most somatic cells in higher organisms lack significant telomerase activity and undergo a limited number of divisions, certain unicellular organisms, like yeast and some protozoa, also rely on telomerase for their reproductive and longevity processes.
How do you buy the products that help increase telomerase?
Lifestyle Changes Increase Telomerase ActivityTelomerase activity positively associated with comprehensive interventions on diet and lifestylePublish date: Sep 18, 2008THURSDAY, Sept. 18 (HealthDay News) -- Significant increases in telomerase activity and telomere maintenance capacity were found in patients following a comprehensive lifestyle intervention, according to an article published online Sept. 16 in The Lancet Oncology.Dean Ornish, M.D., of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito, Calif., and colleagues performed a pilot study offering 30 men with low-risk prostate cancer comprehensive lifestyle changes. Participants attended a three-day intensive retreat, and were prescribed a low-fat/low-refined sugar diet with ample unrefined grains, fruits and vegetables. Vitamin and fish oil supplements were provided and moderate aerobic exercise, stress management, relaxation techniques and breathing exercises were encouraged. The main outcome measure was telomerase enzymatic activity, a prognostic marker of disease risk, progression and premature mortality among cancer patients, measured at baseline and after three months.Overall, 24 of 30 patients had evaluable data and telomerase activity increased by 29.84 percent. The natural logarithms of telomerase activity increased from 2.00 to 2.22, and raw values of telomerase activity increased from 8.05 standard arbitrary units to 10.38 standard arbitrary units, the report indicates. These increases were significantly associated with decreases in both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and decreases in psychological distress, the authors write."To our knowledge, we have reported here the first longitudinal study showing that comprehensive lifestyle changes -- or any intervention -- are significantly associated with increases in cellular telomerase activity and telomere maintenance capacity in human immune-system cells," the authors conclude.Ornish discloses that he is a consultant for Safeway, which partially funded the study, as well as PepsiCo and Mars..modernmedicine.com/modernmedicine/Modern+Medicine+Now/Lifestyle-Changes-Increase-Telomerase-Activity/ArticleNewsFeed/Article/detail/551105
What does the telomerase enzyme do?
Telomerase maintains the telomeres of chromosomes in order to prevent cell death. This enzyme added sequences onto the ends of the chromosomes, thereby preventing extreme shortening and loss of genetic material. In a way, telomerase would give cells immortal life, by continuously regenerating its ends. However, telomerase are usually inactive in the human body because normal cells do not divide frequently, and therefore, the chromosomes do not shorten.
What is the function of telomerase?
Telomerase function is to protect the chromosome ends. This protein binds to the ends of the chromosomes solving issues with DNA end replication
What has the author Zhou Songyang written?
Zhou Songyang has written: 'Telomeres and telomerase' -- subject(s): Telomerase, Laboratory manuals, Physiology, Telomere
What are both aging and cancer caused by?
telomerase
