telomerase
Lengthens chromosome caps
Telomerase is an enzyme that rebuilds telomeres—the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten each time a cell divides.
Most adult cells lack telomerase activity, which limits how many times they can divide before dying.
Cancer cells often reactivate telomerase, enabling unlimited division.
The enzyme figures prominently in aging research: Scientists are studying whether telomerase activation could slow cellular aging.
Nucleic acid synthesis enzyme
- substrateUnderlying supporting material
- elongationIncrease in length
- templatePreset pattern for reproduction
- cofactorEnzyme-activating compound
kinetics · biochemistry · transcription · expression · regulation · inhibitor · activator
Total existence duration
- longevityDuration of existence
- gerontologyScientific study of senescence
- progeriaGenetic rapid-aging condition
- rejuvenationRestoration of youthful vigor
Making something last forever
- tumorAbnormal tissue mass
- malignancyCancerous, invasive growth
- carcinogenesisMalignant transformation process
- metastasisCancer spreading beyond origin
biomarker · oncogene · transformation · melanoma · leukemia · glioblastoma · mutation · angiogenesis
Town in northwest England
- HeLaImmortal human cell line
- knockoutIncapacitating final blow
- overexpressionExcessive gene activity
- in-vitroIn artificial environment
polymerase
Nucleic acid synthesis enzyme
- substrateUnderlying supporting material
- elongationIncrease in length
- templatePreset pattern for reproduction
cofactor · kinetics · biochemistry · transcription · expression · regulation · inhibitor · activator
lifespan
Total existence duration
- longevityDuration of existence
- gerontologyScientific study of senescence
- progeriaGenetic rapid-aging condition
immortalization
Making something last forever
- tumorAbnormal tissue mass
- malignancyCancerous, invasive growth
- carcinogenesisMalignant transformation process
metastasis · biomarker · oncogene · transformation · melanoma · leukemia · glioblastoma · mutation · angiogenesis
Blackburn
Town in northwest England
- HeLaImmortal human cell line
- knockoutIncapacitating final blow
- overexpressionExcessive gene activity
crisis
Decisive dangerous moment
telomerasesenescence
Gradual functional decline with age
mortality · aging · apoptosis · cell death