Scientific Glossary

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Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences (TTAGGG) that protect chromosome ends from degradation. Each cell division shortens telomeres slightly. When telomeres become critically short, cells enter senescence or apoptosis. Telomere length is associated with biological aging — shorter telomeres correlate with age-related disease risk in epidemiological studies. Epithalon and other peptides are studied for potential telomerase-activating properties that might theoretically slow telomere shortening.