Question

Provide two explanations for how telomeres/telomerase molecules modulate the aging process and discuss a disease that involves premature against. Please answer in detail and please provide sources. Thank you.

Answer 1

Telomeres are present at the tips of each chromatids of a chromosome where they seal off the ends of chromosomes, which contains the cell's genetic information. As the cell replicate, telomere can fray or unravel allowing the chromosomes to get damage. This becomes increasingly common with age. Recently scientists have discovered a protein known as telomerase which maintains the telomeres, keeping the chromosomes intact longer.Bascially long telomeres seen in a chromosome is a sign of health and normal longevity while short telomeres are sign of age-related diseases and reduced longevity.There are various factors that lead to telomere shortening.They are:

*Cell division/Age

*DNA damage

*Inflammation

*Life style (improper nutrition, smoking)

*Mental stress/Depression

Malignant transformation (cancers) and bone marrow diseases are among causes of premature erosion of telomeres.