Telomere attrition

Telomere attrition refers to the gradual shortening of telomeres, which are protective caps located at the ends of chromosomes. Each time a cell divides, these caps get shorter. Eventually, when telomeres become too short, cells can no longer divide and may become inactive or die. This process is a natural part of aging and is linked to various age-related diseases. Telomere attrition is significant because it helps regulate cell lifespan and maintain genetic stability, playing a crucial role in overall health and longevity.