What is the term for the process of programmed cell death that occurs when telomeres become too short?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the specific term that describes programmed cell death associated with the shortening of telomeres. This refers to a biological process related to cellular aging and the mechanisms that lead to cell death when it reaches a certain point of replicative exhaustion.
Answer
Apoptosis
The final answer is apoptosis.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is apoptosis.
More Information
When telomeres become critically short, they can no longer properly protect chromosomes. This often leads to apoptosis, a process where the cell dies in a controlled and orderly manner.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing apoptosis with necrosis. Apoptosis is a controlled process, while necrosis is uncontrolled cell death due to external factors.
Sources
- What is a telomere? - Yourgenome.org - yourgenome.org
- Telomere Shortening - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
- Senescence and immortalization: role of telomeres and telomerase - academic.oup.com
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