What Is Primarily Responsible for Aging?

 

What Is Primarily Responsible for Aging?

There are on the ends of a chromosome and become shorter with each replication. The shorter they get, the more likely we are to be aging. If we extended the length of these, we theoretically can live forever. Do you know what the answer is?

The Answer!

The answer is telomeres! Telomeres are the piece of DNA that is on the ends of all chromosomes. During replication, chromosomes share their DNA, and after each exchange, by way of RNA primers, the telomerase is shortened. People who are much older, have very short telomeres because they have had their cells replicated a myriad amount of times.

Some scientists believe that the key to living a much longer life than previously thought possible is to find a way to elongate or extend telomeres. What do you think about this? Should scientists interfere with the human body to prolong life? Or should we try to make sure there is a separation of science and religion? You can read more about the opposing viewpoints in this article on the first cloned animal.

Final Thoughts

Did you know that telomeres were the answer? If you liked these types of questions, you can find our archive of medical trivia here.