DNA getting smaller everytime it replicates?

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In summary, during a biology class, it was mentioned that DNA gets smaller every time it replicates, leading to the main cause of aging. This is due to the "shortening" of DNA resulting in the loss of important genes, increasing the risk of diseases like cancer as we age. This phenomenon is called the telomere problem, which was discovered by researchers who were awarded the Nobel Prize in 2009. Telomeres are repetitive sequences at the ends of chromosomes and are replicated by the enzyme telomerase. This enzyme is responsible for the survival of cancer cells and is also one of the major mechanisms of aging.
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DNA getting smaller everytime it replicates??

Today in biology class, my teacher said that DNA gets smaller everytime it replicates. He also said that this is the main cause of aging (he said that the "shortening" of DNA ending up chopping off important genes later in life, which led to an increased probability of diseases like cancer as we age because our cells have divided so many times)

Well, I tried to look this up, but I cannot find any information or research about DNA getting smaller after replication. Any idea what he was talking about? If it is true could you point me towards some online reading on the subject?
 
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thanks, that was really helpful!
 
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You're welcome :smile:
 
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Telomeres are repetitive sequences at the ends of the arms of a chromosome. The enzyme telomerase is responsible to replicating these sequences. Telomerase usually functions in stem cells and cancer cells and is one of the major mechanisms of the survival of cancer cells. Aging is a consequence of those repetitive sequences not being replicated and therefore losing information gradually.
 

1. How does DNA get smaller every time it replicates?

DNA gets smaller every time it replicates because during the process of DNA replication, the enzyme responsible for copying the DNA strand (DNA polymerase) can only add nucleotides to the 3' end of the new strand. This results in the new strand being shorter than the original strand.

2. Is it normal for DNA to get smaller every time it replicates?

Yes, it is a normal and necessary process for DNA to get smaller every time it replicates. DNA replication is an essential part of cell division and the production of new cells. As cells replicate and divide, their DNA also needs to replicate and divide, resulting in the gradual shortening of DNA strands.

3. Does DNA get smaller in all living organisms?

Yes, DNA gets smaller in all living organisms. The process of DNA replication is universal in all living cells, from bacteria to plants to animals. Therefore, the DNA in all living organisms will gradually get smaller with each replication.

4. Can DNA get too small to function properly?

Yes, DNA can become too small to function properly. The shortening of DNA strands can result in the loss of important genetic information, leading to errors in protein synthesis and potentially causing genetic disorders. However, cells have mechanisms in place to prevent excessive shortening of DNA and maintain its integrity.

5. Is there any way to prevent DNA from getting smaller every time it replicates?

Currently, there is no known way to prevent DNA from getting smaller every time it replicates. However, certain lifestyle factors, such as maintaining a healthy diet and minimizing exposure to environmental toxins, may help slow down the natural shortening of DNA strands. Additionally, some organisms, such as certain species of bacteria, have enzymes that can repair and lengthen their DNA strands, but this is not a common occurrence in higher organisms.

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