Talk:Telomere
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WikiProject Echo has identified Telomere as a foreign language featured article. You may be able to improve this article with information from the Japanese language Wikipedia. |
what does "5' to 3'" mean?
- It's how one describes the "direction" of a sequence of DNA bases. The 5 and 3 refer to specific atoms that are part of the deoxyribose sugar ring in the DNA's backbone; the phosphate links between two deoxyriboses connects the 5' carbon of one deoxyribose to the 3' carbon of the next one. I'd need to draw a diagram to explain it really clearly, but this is something that should be handled within the DNA article. Bryan Derksen
Here is a schematic:
3'-------------------------5'
<enzyme> -->
5'-------------------------3'
- The enzyme works here from the 3' to the 5' end (each - represents a base pair). It moves along the 3'-5' direction polymerizing in the 5'-3' direction. All the polymerases that have been discovered polymerize in the 5'-3' direction. This is a very important point to remember if you want to develop a deeper knowledge of biology and the process of DNA replication (and RNA synthesis, because it follows the same rule except that the RNA transcript is made in the 5'-3' direction). Ashermadan
I already put the explanation in DNA. Did I get the direction right? phma
I remember reading speculations that telomere could cause problems with cloning since the DNA used would have already shorter telomere. I'm loathe to add that without having any source to cite, though.
Regarding telomere shortening as a time-delay fuse, the article currently states "These theories remain relatively controversial at this time.". Is that true? Could a reference be added to a paper arguing otherwise, or is it simply that the theory is very new and relatively untested? I'd love to here more detail about why it is controversial, others probably would too. Bmord 07:03, 7 January 2006 (UTC)
The article states that for most multicellular eukaryotes, telomerase is only active in germ cells. However, the reserve capacity hypothesis article linked in the references section asserts that some amount of telomerase exists in adult skin cells. Also, prior to 5 months of age, somatic cells in zygotes apparently also express telomerase. Could this be rephrased to something more correct? Thanks. Bmord 07:03, 7 January 2006 (UTC)
[edit] Heat Resistance +
"A side effect of the longer telomeres was an increased resistance to the effects of heat exposure. The reasons for that effect are unclear."
With the increase in global warming is this not an experimental aspect to explore on humans in Africa who die every day of heat related symptoms, as well as children left unattended during the summer that either die or experience life crippling afflictions? Depending on the true uses of such a new treatment, it would certainly be worth it to explore every possibility such a treatment would bring forth, would it not?
- Reformatted --Chris 00:40, 8 July 2006 (UTC)
