UNIT 5 SC435
UNIT 5 DISCUSSION SC435
• Why do cells have telomeres? Telomeres protect our genetic data and is what makes it possible for cells to divide.
• Why do telomeres get shorter every time a cell divides? What counteracts this shortening? Before a cell is able to divide it has to make copies of its chromosomes so that both new cells will have identical genetic material. In order to copy, a chromosomes two DNA strands must unwind and separate. An enzyme then reads the existing strands to build two new strands. It begins the process with the help of short pieces of RNA. When each new matching strand is complete, it is a bit shorter than the original strand because of the room needed at the end for this small piece of RNA.
• What role do telomeres play in aging? You may want to do some research into dyskeratosis congenita. It is said that shorter telomeres means a shorter life span. However, its not exactly known whether shorter telomeres are just a sign of gray hair or actually contributing to aging.
• If telomerase makes cancer cells immortal, could it prevent normal cells from aging?
If telomerase makes cancer cells immortal we may be able to prevent normal cells from aging.
• Do you think we could extend the average lifespan by preserving or restoring the length of telomeres with telomerase? If so, does that raise a risk the telomerase also will cause cancer? By preserving or restoring the length of telomeres with telomerase we could increase the average lifespan. This doesn’t seem to raise the risk of cancer.
• Why do cells have telomeres? Telomeres protect our genetic data and is what makes it possible for cells to divide.
• Why do telomeres get shorter every time a cell divides? What counteracts this shortening? Before a cell is able to divide it has to make copies of its chromosomes so that both new cells will have identical genetic material. In order to copy, a chromosomes two DNA strands must unwind and separate. An enzyme then reads the existing strands to build two new strands. It begins the process with the help of short pieces of RNA. When each new matching strand is complete, it is a bit shorter than the original strand because of the room needed at the end for this small piece of RNA.
• What role do telomeres play in aging? You may want to do some research into dyskeratosis congenita. It is said that shorter telomeres means a shorter life span. However, its not exactly known whether shorter telomeres are just a sign of gray hair or actually contributing to aging.
• If telomerase makes cancer cells immortal, could it prevent normal cells from aging?
If telomerase makes cancer cells immortal we may be able to prevent normal cells from aging.
• Do you think we could extend the average lifespan by preserving or restoring the length of telomeres with telomerase? If so, does that raise a risk the telomerase also will cause cancer? By preserving or restoring the length of telomeres with telomerase we could increase the average lifespan. This doesn’t seem to raise the risk of cancer.