Some researchers argue that short telomeres actually facilitate a longer life span in mammals.The reasoning for this argument includes the idea that ________.
A) the activity of telomerase expression―the enzyme that can restore lost bits of telomeres―is repressed
B) a reduction in the telomere size for every DNA replication event can serve as an accurate counting mechanism for the number of times a cell has divided
C) reducing the number of divisions a cell will go through will also reduce the likelihood of mutation events occurring in the cell's DNA
D) All of the above are included in this idea.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reasoning includes all the given options: A) repression of telomerase expression limits the restoration of telomeres, potentially reducing cancer risk by preventing unlimited cell division; B) shorter telomeres can act as a biological clock, limiting cell division and thus potentially reducing the accumulation of mutations; and C) by limiting cell division, the overall chance of mutations, which could lead to cancer or other age-related diseases, is reduced.

Some Researchers Argue That Short Telomeres Actually Facilitate a Longer