Do male or female reproductive cells age ?

[force]

When spermatogonia divide by mitosis, do there telomeres shorten ? I am just trying to ask if reproductive cells age as well as with the rest of our bodies cells ? If so wouldn't a baby born from old parents have a shorter than average life expectancy due to older or more aged DNA ?

 

[Monique]

Germline cells have telomerase activity, so their telomeres shouldn't shorten. The oocytes from the female are produced before puberty and sit around waiting for the final ripening, in women over 30 these oocytes start to age and there is a higher risk for disorders like Down syndrome.

 

[ravenprp]

Both male and female reproductive cells can age, but the process is different for each. In males, sperm cells are continuously produced throughout a man's life, so they do not age in the same way that other cells do. However, there is evidence that the quality of sperm may decrease with age, leading to a higher risk of genetic abnormalities in offspring.

In females, the eggs are present at birth and do not regenerate like sperm cells. As a woman ages, her eggs also age and can lead to a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities in offspring.

When spermatogonia divide by mitosis, their telomeres do shorten, just like with other cells in the body. Telomeres are protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that help prevent them from deteriorating. As cells divide, telomeres shorten, and when they reach a critical length, the cell can no longer divide and eventually dies. This process is known as cellular aging.

It is possible that a baby born to older parents may have a shorter life expectancy due to the age of their reproductive cells. However, there are many other factors that contribute to life expectancy, such as lifestyle and environmental factors. Additionally, the age of the parents does not solely determine the quality of the offspring's DNA. Genetic mutations can occur at any age, and there are mechanisms in place to repair and prevent these mutations from being passed on to offspring.

Overall, while reproductive cells do age, it is not the only factor that determines the life expectancy of an individual. It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and seek medical advice if planning to have a child at an older age.