Biology life span of nerve and red blood cells

In summary, the average life span of a nerve cell located in the brain is the same as the life span of the organism it lives in. This is in contrast to the average life span of a red blood cell, which is only 3-4 months. The main reason for this difference is that red blood cells lack a nucleus, which is responsible for synthesizing new proteins and maintaining the cell's genetic information. Without a nucleus, red blood cells cannot produce new proteins and as a result, their normal functions eventually cease. In contrast, nerve cells do not divide and therefore do not need to constantly produce new proteins. This may be a reason why nerve cells are able to maintain their DNA in better condition and have a longer life span compared
  • #1
marquitos
9
0
Question given. Predict how the average life span of a nerve cell located in the brain differs from the average life span of a red blood cell. Provide a basis based on cellular features.

I know that the average life span of a nerve cell is the life span of the organism which it lives in. The red blood cells have an average life span of 3-4 months. I know that the fact that the red blood cells don't have a nucleus is the main reason.

What specifically about the nucleus increases the life span of the cell so tremendously? Is it simply the synthesizing of new protiens? This is where my answer is lacking and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
 
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  • #2
marquitos said:
Is it simply the synthesizing of new protiens?

Yes, without a nucleus the cell has no genetic info so it cannot make new proteins, old ones get broken, and normal functions stop.
 
  • #3
Nerve cells don't divide, when matured, as that would rewire a brain (and one would enjoy coloring books again), this might be a reason a nerve cell keeps most of it's DNA in top shape, as less divisions mean less errors.
 

What is the average life span of a nerve cell?

Nerve cells, also known as neurons, can live for an entire lifetime. However, on average, they have a life span of around 80 to 100 years.

How long do red blood cells live?

Red blood cells have a shorter life span compared to nerve cells. On average, they live for about 120 days. After this time, they are removed from circulation and replaced by new red blood cells.

What factors can affect the life span of nerve and red blood cells?

The life span of nerve and red blood cells can be affected by various factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Certain diseases and conditions can also impact the life span of these cells.

Can nerve and red blood cells be regenerated?

Unlike some other types of cells in the body, nerve and red blood cells do not have the ability to regenerate. Once they die, they cannot be replaced. However, the body has mechanisms in place to constantly produce new nerve and red blood cells to maintain their populations.

How does the aging process affect the life span of nerve and red blood cells?

As we age, the life span of nerve and red blood cells may decrease due to factors such as oxidative stress and decreased ability to repair cellular damage. This can lead to an increase in cellular dysfunction and may contribute to age-related diseases.

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