What 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

What 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.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Telomeres are repetitive sequences of DNA at the end of chromosomes that protect them from degradation or fusion with neighboring chromosomes. However, during DNA replication, telomeres get progressively shorter until they become too short for further cell division. This limits the number of times a cell can divide and ultimately contributes to the aging process. Therefore, telomeres play a potential role in the aging process by limiting the proliferative capacities of cells. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the role of telomeres in the aging process.

What Best Describes the Potential Role of Telomeres in the Aging