How Might Adding Telomerase Affect Cellular Aging

Question

How might adding telomerase affect cellular aging?
A)Telomerase will speed up the rate of cell proliferation.
B)Telomerase eliminates telomere shortening and retards aging.
C)Telomerase shortens telomeres, which delays cellular aging.
D)Telomerase would have no effect on cellular aging.
E)Telomerase will decrease the rate of cell proliferation.

Accepted Answer

Telomerase is an enzyme that can add telomeric repeat sequences to the ends of chromosomes. This process can delay the shortening of telomeres that occurs during each round of cell division. Telomere shortening has been linked to cellular aging and senescence, as well as various diseases. Therefore, adding telomerase to cells may help to maintain telomere length and delay cellular aging.