Which of these BEST describes the potential role of telomeres in the aging process?
A) They are the packets of fuel that feed each cell.
B) They are "glue" that binds together the base pairs of DNA molecules.
C) They are a portion of a chromosome that gets shorter until DNA replication is no longer possible.
D) They are the scrubber cells that clear all debris from our arteries.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Telomeres are repetitive nucleotide sequences at the end of a chromosome that protect it from deterioration or from fusion with neighboring chromosomes. Over time, as cells divide, telomeres shorten, which is associated with aging, until the cell can no longer divide (senescence). This process is thought to contribute to the aging of the body.

Which of These BEST Describes the Potential Role of Telomeres