Microgravity and Telomeres

Abstract

Variations in telomeres, and especially their shortening, is a well-known process that marks the rhythm of life in all living things, but the reason behind telomere lengthening in some cases is not so well understood. We only know that it isdirectly related to the activation of an enzyme called telomerase. Variations in microgravity could partially explain this phenomenon, and be part of the cause of its activation.