A significant fraction of cells turn over frequently in adults so the number of divisions for those cell types is far, far higher than 45 divisions. Those cell divisions CAN cause cancer, it a single extra cell division is going to have negligible impact on risk.
There’s an enzyme called telomerase which can extend telomeres. It’s active in embryos. So this isn’t really a concern.
Thanks! Point 2. is especially what I am interested to learn about. If there is any place where I can read more about the presence and effect of telomerase on embryos please let me know!
Also, if you have any info on these other potential issues (pathways of aging through cell division) that chat-gpt generated, I am all ears:
a. DNA Damage Accumulation: Every time a cell divides, there is a risk of errors during DNA replication. (Cells do have repair mechanisms that fix most DNA damage, and fortunately they are more capable in young cells.)
b. Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Mitochondria have their own DNA (mtDNA). Mitochondria divide independently of the cell’s nuclear DNA. However, mtDNA is more prone to damage during cell division and replication due to its proximity to reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during energy generation.
c. Stem Cell Exhaustion: Each stem cell has a limited number of divisions it can undergo before it enters programmed cell death.
You’re ignoring several facts:
A significant fraction of cells turn over frequently in adults so the number of divisions for those cell types is far, far higher than 45 divisions. Those cell divisions CAN cause cancer, it a single extra cell division is going to have negligible impact on risk.
There’s an enzyme called telomerase which can extend telomeres. It’s active in embryos. So this isn’t really a concern.
Thanks! Point 2. is especially what I am interested to learn about. If there is any place where I can read more about the presence and effect of telomerase on embryos please let me know!
Also, if you have any info on these other potential issues (pathways of aging through cell division) that chat-gpt generated, I am all ears:
a. DNA Damage Accumulation: Every time a cell divides, there is a risk of errors during DNA replication. (Cells do have repair mechanisms that fix most DNA damage, and fortunately they are more capable in young cells.)
b. Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Mitochondria have their own DNA (mtDNA). Mitochondria divide independently of the cell’s nuclear DNA. However, mtDNA is more prone to damage during cell division and replication due to its proximity to reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during energy generation.
c. Stem Cell Exhaustion: Each stem cell has a limited number of divisions it can undergo before it enters programmed cell death.