The Hair Loss Encyclopedia
gradual reduction of protective chromosome ends during cell division
Telomere shortening refers to the gradual reduction in the length of telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. Each time a cell divides, its telomeres become slightly shorter, eventually leading to cellular aging and dysfunction when they become critically short. This process is also known as telomere attrition and is a key factor in aging and age-related diseases.