What is the relationship between telomeres and aging?
Shortening linked to aging
Lengthening linked to aging
No relation
Telomeres cause aging
Answer
Telomeres, the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes, shorten with each cell division. This shortening is linked to aging, as cells with critically short telomeres can no longer divide and enter a state of senescence. As more cells senesce, tissues and organs deteriorate, contributing to the aging process.
Carol Greider Knowledge Quest: 30 Questions for the intellectually curious
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