All living things have to die. This fundamental truth is held to apply even to the smallest unit of life – cells. However, there is a phenomenon that is sometimes called biological immortality. It refers to cells that live beyond their proclaimed life span, which is roughly set by the Hayflick limit. All cancer cells have acquired this property; they divide indefinitely, which is the essential problem with cancer cells. On the other hand, researchers are very much interested in the molecular mechanism behind this property to may be able to use it to extend life and rejuvenate cells. Cells that are not subject to the Hayflick limit are generally seen as a threat to the human body, however, they are interesting subjects of experiments and scientists have already learned a great deal of knowledge by studying these mutants and continue to gain more important insights into the functioning of any kind of human body cell. Immortal cells can be boon and bane for humankind. Certain aspects of this issue will be discussed.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. Introduction
- II. Hayflick Limit
- i. History of the Hayflick Limit
- ii. The End Replication Problem
- iii. Telomerase
- III Cancer Cells
- i. Telomeres in Age-Related Diseases
- ii. Telomerase in Cancer
- iii. Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres
- IV Life Extension Science
- i. Molecular Insights
- ii. Telomerase Inhibitors
- iii. Anti-Aging Industry
- V Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text aims to explore the concept of biological immortality, particularly the Hayflick limit and its implications for cancer cells and life extension science. It examines the history of the Hayflick limit, its molecular mechanism, and the role of telomerase in cellular immortality. The text also delves into the applications of telomerase in both cancer treatment and life extension research.
- The Hayflick limit and its implications for cellular aging and mortality
- The role of telomeres and telomerase in cellular division and immortality
- The connection between telomerase and cancer
- The potential of telomerase for life extension and anti-aging therapies
- The ethical and societal implications of manipulating cellular immortality
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction sets the stage for the text by discussing the concept of biological immortality and highlighting the significance of cells that escape the Hayflick limit, particularly in the context of cancer and life extension science.
Chapter II delves into the Hayflick limit, beginning with its historical discovery by Leonard Hayflick and contrasting it with the earlier hypothesis of Alexis Carrel regarding indefinite cell proliferation. The chapter then explores the molecular mechanism behind the Hayflick limit, focusing on the end replication problem and its role in limiting the number of cell divisions.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The text focuses on key terms and concepts like the Hayflick limit, biological immortality, telomeres, telomerase, cancer cells, life extension science, anti-aging therapies, and the ethical implications of manipulating cellular immortality. It also explores the historical contributions of scientists such as Leonard Hayflick, Alexis Carrel, and August Weismann.
- Quote paper
- Miriam Herbert (Author), 2014, Boon and Bane of not Being Subject to the Hayflick Limit, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/287999
