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Why are some cells immortal but not us? Uncover the secret of biological immortality!
When we talk about the topic of "death", for humans, this is a fate they cannot escape. In contrast, some creatures seem to have broken the shackles of life and have the ability to "eternal life." What is the reason why these cells or organisms acquire immortal properties that cannot be applied to humans? This article takes a closer look at these mysteries of life.
What is eternal life?
"Immortality" usually refers to the ability of some organisms to reproduce indefinitely in an ideal environment, such as certain bacteria, certain plants, and hydra. In theory, the ability of these cells to regenerate and divide makes them seemingly immune to the effects of aging.
Many microorganisms, such as bacteria, reproduce continuously through binary fission. In theory, they can be constantly "reborn" under the right environment.
Cell division and aging
Human cells have a phenomenon called "Hayflick limit", which usually stops after about 50 divisions. This is because the telomeres in cells get shorter with each division. When telomeres shorten to the point where they can no longer protect chromosomes, cells can no longer reproduce, leading to aging.
"Shortening of telomeres is a major cause of cellular aging."
The "immortality" of cancer cells
Compared with healthy cells, cancer cells have an unusual survival mechanism. Some cancer cells remain active after dividing hundreds of times and are unable to enter the natural death process. This "immortality" property comes from their genetic variation, which allows them to continuously produce telomerase, thereby maintaining the length of telomeres.
Why can’t humans live forever?
Even though we have brains and consciousness, according to the theory of evolution, human biological structure is designed for reproduction and continuation, rather than the pursuit of individual immortality. As human cells learn how to reproduce over many decades, they also develop mechanisms that require repair, which limits the cells' ability to regenerate.
"In the process of evolution, the more an organism can reproduce at a young age, the easier it is for it to survive."
Revelation and future possibilities
As research continues, scientists hope to one day unravel the mystery of why cells do not age, and perhaps transcend natural limitations. Through gene editing technology, stem cell research and regenerative medicine, we may be able to find ways to delay or reverse aging.
Ultimately, these immortal creatures may serve as a wake-up call about the meaning of human life. We can't help but think, if every living thing can live for a long time, what will be the preciousness and meaning of life?
