Introduction of the Telomere

The Relationship among Chromosomes, DNA and Telomeres: Unlocking the Secrets of Aging

A chromosome is a structure made up of DNA and proteins that are tightly wound together. Telomeres are TG-rich simple repeat sequences (TTAGGG) that are located at the ends of chromosomes, and they are the protectors of DNA. When a cell is replicated, the DNA opens its double-stranded structure at the starting point of replication. In the process, one strand can be replicated uninterrupted, called the leading strand, and the other strand needs to be replicated in fragments, which are called Okazaki fragments. When the DNA primer at the very end of the Okazaki fragment is eliminated, there is no other DNA segment adhering to the tail, and a vacancy is thus created.

The vacancy will enlarge whenever the times of replication increase. The telomeres at the end of the chromosomes shorten each time the cell replicates. When the telomeres, which are the protective sheaths, shorten to a certain extent, the cell stops replicating, and it’s the phenomenon known as cellular aging. Therefore, telomere length is an important indicator of cellular age.

How can we maintain our telomeres?

According to Elizabeth Blackburn's research, telomere length is affected by mood. It was found that depressed mothers had significantly shorter telomeres, and exercise and good eating habits significantly affect telomere length. Interestingly, how you deal with stress can have a complete impact on your physical youth.

1. positive coping with life's stresses can help protect telomeres in your cells and reduce the attrition of telomere.

2. Maintaining at least 45 minutes of exercise a week helps to preserve telomere length and to preserve youth. For those of you under chronic stress, Nobel Laureate Elizabeth Blackburn recommends 15 minutes of aerobic exercise to rejuvenate your cells and reduce the risk of telomere shrinkage and premature aging caused by stress.