In a rare disease, individuals suffer from bone marrow failure due to the inability of this blood-forming tissue to produce a sufficient number of blood cells over a human lifetime. What is NOT a cause of this condition?
A)Individuals have greatly elevated telomerase levels.
B)Individuals have greatly reduced telomerase levels.
C)Individuals are heterozygous for the gene that encodes the telomerase RNA.
D)Individuals are heterozygous for the gene that encodes the telomerase protein subunit.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Elevated telomerase levels would actually promote longer telomeres and cell division, which could potentially delay or prevent bone marrow failure. Reduced telomerase levels or mutations in the telomerase gene would be more likely causes. Heterozygosity for the gene encoding the telomerase RNA or protein subunit could potentially lead to reduced telomerase activity and contribute to bone marrow failure.

In a Rare Disease, Individuals Suffer from Bone Marrow Failure