Answer 3 for DNP 810 Select an essential structural element of interest

Answer 3 for DNP 810 Select an essential structural element of interest

The eukaryotic chromosome’s structure includes a DNA-protein that is organized specifically. Within a eukaryotic chromosome, centromeres and telomeres are essential structural elements that provide unique functions to stabilize the chromosome. A telomere is the portion from the end of the DNA strand within a eukaryotic chromosome that is needed for replication and chromosomal stability (McClean, n.d.). Research has discovered that the length of a telomere can predict life expectancy. The length has also been shown to be significantly affected by lifestyle and environmental factors. Such examples include intrauterine unfavorable events, low socioeconomic status, and childhood abuse or neglect. The shortening of a telomere can cause telomere syndromes such as pulmonary fibrosis and dyskeratosis congenita (Vaiserma & Krasnienkov, 2021).

A DNP prepared nurse can utilize the research of telomere biology to understand and therefore assist with further research in anomalies caused by telomere in early life. The alteration to the structure of a telomere can lead to intrauterine growth restriction and therefore can cause low birth weight which may lead to further metabolic disorders as an adult. In adults, the shortening of the telomere was found to cause coronary heart disease (Vaiserma & Krasnienkov, 2021). A DNP-prepared nurse can educate a patient appropriately based on information discovered. Telomere maintenance and support can be increased by consuming legumes, nuts, fruits, seaweed, fruit juice and coffee. Furthermore, items that counteract telomere function are alcohol, processed meat, and red meat. Patient education is vital to extend telomere length and therefore increase lifespan (Balan, Decottignies & Deldicque, 2018).

Balan, E., Decottignies, A., & Deldicque, L. (2018). Physical activity and nutrition: Two promising strategies for telomere maintenance? Nutrients, 10(12), 1942. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10121942

McClean, P. (n.d.). Eukaryotic Chromosome Structure. DNA structure, replication and eukaryotic chromatin structure. Retrieved June 11, 2022, from https://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/~mcclean/plsc431/eukarychrom/eukaryo3.htm#:~:text=Centromeres%20and%20telomeres%20are%20two,the%20stability%20of%20the%20chromosome.

Vaiserman, A., & Krasnienkov, D. (2021). Telomere length as a marker of biological age: State-of-the-art, open issues, and future perspectives. Frontiers in Genetics, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2020.630186