Biology life span of nerve and red blood cells

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SUMMARY

The average life span of a nerve cell in the brain is equivalent to the life span of the organism, while red blood cells have an average life span of 3-4 months. The absence of a nucleus in red blood cells is the primary reason for their shorter life span, as it prevents the synthesis of new proteins. In contrast, nerve cells maintain their DNA integrity due to limited division, which reduces the likelihood of errors and allows them to function effectively throughout the organism's life.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cellular biology concepts, particularly cell structure
  • Knowledge of protein synthesis mechanisms
  • Familiarity with the role of the nucleus in cellular function
  • Basic principles of cellular aging and life span
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  • Research the role of the nucleus in protein synthesis and cellular functions
  • Explore the differences in cellular aging between various cell types
  • Investigate the mechanisms of nerve cell maintenance and repair
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Students of biology, medical professionals, and anyone interested in cellular biology and the life span of different cell types.

marquitos
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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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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.
 
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.
 

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