How is telomere length associated with cellular aging?
How is telomere length associated with cellular aging?
Cite this post:
Sourav Pan. (2024, December 18). How is telomere length associated with cellular aging?. Biology Notes Online. Retrieved from https://biologynotesonline.com/qa/how-is-telomere-length-associated-with-cellular-aging/
Sourav Pan. "How is telomere length associated with cellular aging?." Biology Notes Online, 18 December 2024, biologynotesonline.com/qa/how-is-telomere-length-associated-with-cellular-aging/.
Sourav Pan. "How is telomere length associated with cellular aging?." Biology Notes Online (blog). December 18, 2024. https://biologynotesonline.com/qa/how-is-telomere-length-associated-with-cellular-aging/.
Answered
Telomere length is closely associated with cellular aging because telomeres act as a biological clock for cell division. As cells divide, telomeres shorten, which ultimately limits the number of divisions a cell can undergo. Once telomeres reach a critically short length, the cell enters a state of senescence, in which it no longer divides, or it undergoes apoptosis. This process is a protective mechanism to prevent the accumulation of mutations and the potential for cancer, but it also contributes to aging by limiting the regenerative capacity of tissues. Shorter telomeres are associated with age-related diseases and overall aging.
Cite this post:
Sourav Pan. (2024, December 18). How is telomere length associated with cellular aging?. Biology Notes Online. Retrieved from https://biologynotesonline.com/qa/how-is-telomere-length-associated-with-cellular-aging/
Sourav Pan. "How is telomere length associated with cellular aging?." Biology Notes Online, 18 December 2024, biologynotesonline.com/qa/how-is-telomere-length-associated-with-cellular-aging/.
Sourav Pan. "How is telomere length associated with cellular aging?." Biology Notes Online (blog). December 18, 2024. https://biologynotesonline.com/qa/how-is-telomere-length-associated-with-cellular-aging/.
