Telomere shortening and cellular senescence: what am I missing?

[student007]

okay...i know that as DNA replicates, telomeres fall off/get shorter, and when they reach a certain point, the cell reaches senescence and can no longer replicate. I know that...but that's too simple. Is there more to it?...i.e. maybe anythign about when the cell reaches senescence, or any slightly more ocmplicated explanation? I hate to say this, but i have a TA who marks based on how long the assignment. My section on aging is only a small paragraph, and I am bound to lose marks on it...i just want to know if there's any way i can lengthen it

 

[Monique]

A warning: we are not here to make your assignment, but we can guide you (I think you know that).

So, first of all: telomeres don't fall off!

I want to ask you: do you know why telomeres shorten? And do you know why short telomeres are bad for a cell? Find out on a molecular level how that works and you will have your report

 

[Monique]

So did you find an answer to my questions above?