Chromosomes (IMAGE)

Salk Institute

Chromosomes

Caption

Each time a cell divides, the protective "caps" at the tip of chromosomes (red and green dots) erode a little bit further. As telomeres wear down, their DNA undergoes massive changes in the way it is packaged. These changes likely trigger what we call "aging."

Credit

Image: Courtesy of Dr. Jan Karlseder, Salk Institute for Biological Studies

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