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Definition: What is telomere shortening?

During each cell division, a small portion of the telomere is lost due to the inability of DNA replication machinery to fully replicate the ends of linear chromosomes. This natural process leads to telomere shortening over time.

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Telomere shortening serves as a biological clock that limits the number of times a cell can divide. When telomeres become critically short, cells enter a state of replicative senescence or undergo programmed cell death, known as apoptosis. This mechanism acts as a safeguard against the proliferation of damaged or dysfunctional cells.

Telomere shortening is considered a hallmark of aging and has been linked to various age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as chronic stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise can accelerate telomere shortening.

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Understanding the mechanisms and consequences of telomere shortening is of great interest in the field of longevity research, as it may provide insights into the aging process and potential strategies for extending healthy lifespan.

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