The observation that there is a limit to how many times a cell can divide is the basis for the __________ theory of senescence.
A) autoimmune
B) free radical
C) cross-linking
D) replicative
E) abortive

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The replicative theory of senescence proposes that cells have a limited ability to divide before reaching a state of replicative senescence. This is thought to be due to the shortening of telomeres, the protective ends of chromosomes, with each round of cell division. Other theories of senescence include the free radical theory, which proposes that cumulative damage from reactive oxygen species contributes to aging, and the cross-linking theory, which proposes that age-related changes to proteins and other molecules in connective tissues contribute to aging. The autoimmune and abortive theories of senescence have less empirical support.

The Observation That There Is a Limit to How Many