I know that it has to do something with primers and the whole anabolic process of replication, but how? What happens that makes DNA shorter with each replication? Is RNA-primers getting cut off with DNA? Explain like i am five
In: 20
Nothing on a gene level, really.
When DNA gets read, it unzips. The two halves split apart. At this point it can either be used to make RNA to be sent off to make proteins, or it can be copied into new DNA.
When your cells divide, it is being copied.
When the DNA is unzipped like this, it’s less stable, so it’s more likely for the DNA to be damaged. It’s most unstable at the ends because there’s fewer molecules there to hold it in place. It’s like string fraying at the ends. This DNA at the ends that can be lost are called telomeres. It’s basically some junk DNA that doesn’t really code for anything and can be lost without consequence. It’s once those telomeres are gone that your important DNA can be damaged.
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