telomere
DNA protective tip
Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, often compared to the plastic tips on shoelaces.
They prevent chromosomes from fraying or fusing with neighboring chromosomes during cell division.
Telomeres shorten each time a cell divides, and their progressive shortening is associated with aging and cell death.
Researchers study telomere length as a marker of biological age.
Gradual functional decline with age
- biological clockInnate cycle regulator
- biomarkerMeasurable biological health signal
- lifespanTotal existence duration
- healthspanDuration of good vigor
inflammation · DNA damage · progeria · premature aging · chronological age · biological age
Chromosome's spindle attachment site
- chromatidReplicated chromosome copy
- chromosomeDNA strand carrying genes
- karyotypeOrganized chromosome display
- histoneChromosome-packing protein
sex chromosome · diploid · locus · chromatin · nucleosome · cap
Setting an upper limit
- DNA repairRestoring damaged genetic code
- buffer zoneNeutral area between rivals
- uncappingRemoving a lid
- crisisDecisive dangerous moment
Chromosome-tip lengthening enzyme
- life extensionProlonging human lifespan artificially
- anti-agingCounteracting effects of time
- rejuvenationRestoration of youthful vigor
- centenarianPerson over ninety-nine
gerontology · caloric restriction · lifestyle factors · stress reduction · astragalus
Genetic code subunit
- adeninePurine nucleobase in DNA
- guaninePurine nucleobase in DNA
- cytosinePyrimidine nucleobase in genetics
- thymineDNA nitrogen base
base pair · double helix · DNA replication · polymerase · overhang
Making something last forever
- tumorAbnormal tissue mass
- malignancyCancerous, invasive growth
- cancer cellAbnormally dividing body unit
- carcinogenesisMalignant transformation process
senescence
Gradual functional decline with age
- biological clockInnate cycle regulator
- biomarkerMeasurable biological health signal
- lifespanTotal existence duration
healthspan · inflammation · DNA damage · progeria · premature aging · chronological age · biological age
centromere
Chromosome's spindle attachment site
- chromatidReplicated chromosome copy
- chromosomeDNA strand carrying genes
- karyotypeOrganized chromosome display
histone · sex chromosome · diploid · locus · chromatin · nucleosome · cap
capping
Setting an upper limit
- DNA repairRestoring damaged genetic code
- buffer zoneNeutral area between rivals
- uncappingRemoving a lid
telomerase
Chromosome-tip lengthening enzyme
- life extensionProlonging human lifespan artificially
- anti-agingCounteracting effects of time
- rejuvenationRestoration of youthful vigor
centenarian · gerontology · caloric restriction · lifestyle factors · stress reduction · astragalus
nucleotide
Genetic code subunit
- adeninePurine nucleobase in DNA
- guaninePurine nucleobase in DNA
- cytosinePyrimidine nucleobase in genetics
thymine · base pair · double helix · DNA replication · polymerase · overhang
immortalization
Making something last forever
- tumorAbnormal tissue mass
- malignancyCancerous, invasive growth
- cancer cellAbnormally dividing body unit
- cell biologycell membrane, cell division, cytoplasm, ribosome, mitochondria
- geneticsDNA, allele, genotype, genes, gene
- Cell Nucleusnucleus, nucleolus, nuclear envelope, nuclear membrane, chromatin
- chromosomeschromosomes, chromosome, centromere, chromatin, telomerase
- DNA elementsgene, promoter, enhancer, silencer, exon
- Telomerestelomerase