Homework #3 is due 11/19 Bonus #2 is posted

Do telomere dynamics link lifestyle and lifespan? Pat Monaghan and Mark F. Haussmann TRENDS in Ecology and Evolution Vol 21 pg 47

Telomere length varies in different parts of adults: telomeres - mitosis stomach & blood cells....short- often muscle & brain……….long- rare liver & kidney……..short- rare gametes……long

Telomeres are non-gene DNA at the ends of DNA strands. Telomeres are more sensitive DNA damage, and may act as a sensor for overall DNA damage level in a cell.

Does telomere length indicate longevity?

Zebra finch Telomere length in red blood cells of different birds Fig. 1 TRENDS in Ecology and Evolution Vol 21 pg 47 Age (years)

common tern Telomere length in red blood cells of different birds Fig. 1 TRENDS in Ecology and Evolution Vol 21 pg 47 Age (years)

albatross TRENDS in Ecology and Evolution Vol 21 pg 47 Telomere length in red blood cells of different birds

Leach’s storm petrel Telomere length in red blood cells of different birds Fig. 1 TRENDS in Ecology and Evolution Vol 21 pg 47

Zebra finch Leach’s storm petrel common tern albatross Telomere length in red blood cells of different birds, different species have different patterns of telomere length and age Fig. 1 TRENDS in Ecology and Evolution Vol 21 pg 47

Fig. 2 TRENDS in Ecology and Evolution Vol 21 pg 47 Telomere length in white blood cells of different aged people. Telomere length generally declines, but there is wide variability

THE LANCET Vol 361 pg 393 Telomere length and mortality in people over 60 years old upper 50% of telomere length lower 50% of telomere length proportion surviving % years after initial assessment

Telomere length may indicate biological age. Early stress may cause premature telomere degradation.

For life to exist, the information (genes) must be passed on. {Mitosis: producing more cells} {Meiosis: producing gametes}

The Cell Cycle Fig 2.9

Mitosis: A DNA Perspective

Mitosis plays a role in: Growth and Development Repair and Turnover of Cells Reproduction –Asexual

start of mitosis Fig 2.10

The Mitotic Spindle (micro- tubules) Sister Chromatids A basic look at mitosis