What Role Do Telomeres Play in Replicative Senescence?
Telomeres are repetitive nucleotide sequences that protect chromosome ends from deterioration. They act as a biological clock, shortening with each cell division. When telomeres reach a critically short length, the cell recognizes this as DNA damage and activates pathways that induce senescence. In cancer cells, mechanisms like reactivated telomerase or alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) prevent telomere shortening, allowing for limitless replication.
