in our cells our DNA It makes it possible to form new cells by replicating itself. This is how our wounds heal quickly, we grow, our structure improves. Because our cells are doomed to lose these abilities over time, we age and die.

at both ends of our DNA telomeres Protein sheaths called these telomeres shorten each time our cells divide, and after a certain point they lose their ability to protect DNA. After a point, DNA stops copying because it cannot protect itself. This is called cellular aging. Even though the cells are no longer alive at this stage, they have no functions. zombie cell they are called.

Aging isn’t the only reason for zombie cells

Telomere structures as we age getting weaker and shorter. Therefore, the replication of our DNA strands stops at some point. In their study, scientists examined whether there was another factor that could increase the number of zombie cells. In studies, it was revealed that cells with telomeres that are exposed to a different protein structure and damaged, become zombie cells.

Accordingly, in addition to the harmful wastes that occur in our normal vital functions, factors such as air pollution and tobacco smoke also occur in our body. oxidative stress causes a condition called Therefore, the process of telomere shortening speeds up. Because cellular aging it happens much earlier.

The research showed that telomeres are not only alarm signals that cells are dividing too much, but can also provide information about oxidative stress. The new studies will focus on cleaning or somehow reactivating the zombie cells. So to grow old in a healthier way or counteract the effects of aging it will be possible.