Telomere shortening puts a limit on the number of times a cell can divide. Research has shown that telomerase can extend the life span of cultured human cells. Which of the following best explains the effect of telomerase on cellular aging?
A) Telomerase will speed up the rate of cell proliferation.
B) Telomerase can eliminate telomere shortening and slows aging.
C) Telomerase shortens telomeres, which delays cellular aging.
D) Telomerase would have no effect on cellular aging.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Telomerase adds repetitive nucleotide sequences to the ends of chromosomes, thereby counteracting the shortening of telomeres that occurs with each cell division. This action can slow or delay the cellular aging process by extending the replicative capacity of cells.

Telomere Shortening Puts a Limit on the Number of Times