Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in maintaining our genomes, helping to ensure that after every cell division each daughter cell contains an intact copy of the genome without the structural integrity of the chromosomes being compromised. They are also important for the segregation of chromosomes during cell division and help protect the genome from transposable elements – DNA sequences that are able to move around the genome, generating new copies of themselves and potentially interfering with important genes. As we age, the frequency of errors during cell division increases, partly due to less effective epigenetic mechanisms tasked with maintaining genome stability. Whether the lower efficiency of epigenetic mechanisms is a by-product of ageing or if the increased genome instability drives ageing is currently the topic of on-going research.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.