Telomeres are repetitive nucleotide sequences that protect the ends of chromosomes and maintain genomic stability (Fig. 5). Telomere dysfunction and genomic instability appear to be of critical importance for ageing at a cellular level. Age-related diseases and premature ageing syndromes are frequently associated with telomere shortening. Figure 5 Open in figure viewerPowerPoint Telomere attrition, telomere length and telomerase. Chromosomes have repeated […]

Genomic instability Human DNA is exposed constantly to all kinds of possible mutagens. These can be exogenous such as radiation and chemicals, or endogenous such as free radicals, the by-products of energy production from the electron transport chain. Powerful cellular DNA repair machinery can fix the majority of the damage; however, some will inevitably escape repair, so mutations and damage […]