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Related Concept Videos

Lagging Strand Synthesis01:59

Lagging Strand Synthesis

During replication, the complementary strands in double-stranded DNA are synthesized at different rates. Replication first begins on the leading strand. Replication starts later, occurs more slowly, and proceeds discontinuously on the lagging strand.
There are several major differences between synthesis of the leading strand and synthesis of the lagging strand. 1) Leading strand synthesis happens in the direction of replication fork opening, whereas lagging strand synthesis happens in the...
Fixing Double-strand Breaks02:04

Fixing Double-strand Breaks

The double-stranded structure of DNA has two major advantages. First, it serves as a safe repository of genetic information where one strand serves as the back-up in case the other strand is damaged. Second, the double-helical structure can be wrapped around proteins called histones to form nucleosomes, which can then be tightly wound to form chromosomes. This way, DNA chains up to 2 inches long can be contained within microscopic structures in a cell. A double-stranded break not only damages...
Replicative Cell Senescence02:15

Replicative Cell Senescence

Replicative cell senescence is a property of cells that allows them to divide a finite number of times throughout the organism's lifespan while preventing excessive proliferation. Replicative senescence is associated with the gradual loss of the telomere — short, repetitive DNA sequences found at the end of the chromosomes. Telomeres are bound by a group of proteins to form a protective cap on the ends of chromosomes. Embryonic stem cells express telomerase — an enzyme that adds the telomeric...
Lagging Strand Synthesis01:59

Lagging Strand Synthesis

During replication, the complementary strands in double-stranded DNA are synthesized at different rates. Replication first begins on the leading strand. Replication starts later, occurs more slowly, and proceeds discontinuously on the lagging strand.
There are several major differences between synthesis of the leading strand and synthesis of the lagging strand. 1) Leading strand synthesis happens in the direction of replication fork opening, whereas lagging strand synthesis happens in the...
Fixing Double-strand Breaks02:04

Fixing Double-strand Breaks

The double-stranded structure of DNA has two major advantages. First, it serves as a safe repository of genetic information where one strand serves as the back-up in case the other strand is damaged. Second, the double-helical structure can be wrapped around proteins called histones to form nucleosomes, which can then be tightly wound to form chromosomes. This way, DNA chains up to 2 inches long can be contained within microscopic structures in a cell. A double-stranded break not only damages...
Replicative Cell Senescence02:15

Replicative Cell Senescence

Replicative cell senescence is a property of cells that allows them to divide a finite number of times throughout the organism's lifespan while preventing excessive proliferation. Replicative senescence is associated with the gradual loss of the telomere — short, repetitive DNA sequences found at the end of the chromosomes. Telomeres are bound by a group of proteins to form a protective cap on the ends of chromosomes. Embryonic stem cells express telomerase — an enzyme that adds the telomeric...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Isolation and Immortalization of Patient-derived Cell Lines from Muscle Biopsy for Disease Modeling
11:26

Isolation and Immortalization of Patient-derived Cell Lines from Muscle Biopsy for Disease Modeling

Published on: January 18, 2015

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Immortal strands? Give me a break.

Peter M Lansdorp1

  • 1Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada. plansdor@bccrc.ca

Cell
|July 3, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Stem cells may not retain "old" DNA to avoid mutations. Instead, epigenetic differences between sister chromatids might direct asymmetric cell divisions and cell fate.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • The "immortal strand" hypothesis suggests stem cells retain "old" DNA to prevent mutation accumulation.
  • This hypothesis posits selective chromosome retention in asymmetrically dividing stem cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the "immortal strand" hypothesis.
  • To propose an alternative mechanism for directing asymmetric cell division and cell fate.

Main Methods:

  • This essay reviews existing hypotheses and proposes a new model.
  • The discussion focuses on the biological plausibility of DNA-based retention versus epigenetic control.

Main Results:

  • The "immortal strand" hypothesis, where stem cells retain "old" DNA, appears unlikely.

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  • Epigenetic differences between sister chromatids offer a more plausible explanation for stem cell division and fate.

    • Conclusions:

    • Asymmetric cell divisions and stem cell fate are likely directed by epigenetic differences, not selective retention of "old" DNA.
    • This epigenetic model provides a more parsimonious explanation for stem cell behavior and mutation prevention.