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. How might adding telomerase affect cellular ageing?
A) Telomerase will speed up the rate of cell proliferation.
B) Telomerase eliminates telomere shortening and retards ageing.
C) Telomerase shortens telomeres, which delays cellular ageing.
D) Telomerase would have no effect on cellular ageing.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Telomerase eliminates telomere shortening and retards ageing. The shortening of telomeres with each cell division is associated with cellular ageing, and telomerase can extend the life of cells beyond their normal lifespan by adding new telomeric DNA to the ends of chromosomes. Therefore, adding telomerase to cells would eliminate telomere shortening and delay cellular ageing.

Telomere Shortening Puts a Limit on the Number of Times