Telomere Shortening

Telomere shortening refers to the gradual loss of the protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes as we age. These caps, called telomeres, prevent DNA from damage during cell division. Each time a cell divides, a small part of the telomere is lost. Over time, as telomeres become too short, cells can no longer divide properly and may become dysfunctional or die. This process is associated with aging and the development of age-related diseases. Factors like stress, lifestyle, and environment can influence the rate of telomere shortening.