A cross-examine around the mechanics of cancer?
i've always been told that cancer cells are essentially cell that are dividing out of control, but recently i was told that we age because the telomeres at the failure of our DNA are "snipped" shorter and shorter every time they divide. my question is, why/how are cancer cells dividing like crazy when the DNA they contain is anyone cut to bits?
Answers: Hi Matt. Your understanding about telomeres is correct.
er cells hold numerous mutations that are required for them to become 'cancerous'. One of those mutations reactivates Telomerase - an enzyme that 'renews' telomeres. Thus, cancer cells can just keep replicating because telomerase prevents the shortening of the telomeres..
Healthy cell do not "express" the telomerase gene, that is, they do not make telomerase. The Telomerase gene exists because it is needed during embryogenesis.
Best wishes and good luck.
That's a really good give somebody the third degree.. I'm stumped. Maybe that's a clue to the cure?
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Answers: Hi Matt. Your understanding about telomeres is correct.
er cells hold numerous mutations that are required for them to become 'cancerous'. One of those mutations reactivates Telomerase - an enzyme that 'renews' telomeres. Thus, cancer cells can just keep replicating because telomerase prevents the shortening of the telomeres..
Healthy cell do not "express" the telomerase gene, that is, they do not make telomerase. The Telomerase gene exists because it is needed during embryogenesis.
Best wishes and good luck.
That's a really good give somebody the third degree.. I'm stumped. Maybe that's a clue to the cure?
Related Questions: