You probably know that your cells must divide and multiply so that your body can grow and repair itself. Well, a scientist named Leonard Hayflick discovered that there is a LIMIT to how many times they can divide. That number, which is now called the "Hayflick Limit," is around 50. So that means that every cell in your body comes into being, grows old,dies,and is replaced by another! If you're 30, nearly ALL the cells you had at 15 have been replaced!
So, the question..are you still you? how do you know?
2006-09-22 12:12:50 · 18 answers · asked by prometheus_unbound 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, a person is the same person at 30 that they are at 15 (in respect to your original question). The cells in the body multiply, divide and die at different rates. Therefore they are also replaced at different rates. Replacing one cell or even two in millions and millions of cells certainly does not alter the person to the extent that the person is no longer the original. Replacing the oil filter in your car does not alter the identity of the car. Everyone would agree that it's the same car before the oil filter was changed as it is after it was changed.
Yes, eventually all cells in the body will be replaced, however cells cannot come into being spontaneously. . . they are stamped with our distinct DNA and therefore represent the original being~ albeit a "refreshed or repaired" being. All parts on a car can be replaced as long as the original framework remains, the car does not need to be re-registered or issued a new license tag. The same with the person. Replacing the cells merely refreshes the body. The original "framework", the DNA, is still there, and hence the person is the same.
2006-09-22 12:33:17 · answer #1 · answered by siobahn 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do chemo drugs affect the Hayflick Limit?
I am a five year stage4 ovarian cancer survivor. in managed disease state...whatever that means... I am not who I was five years ago nor ten. all is different now.
I am what I yam and thats all that I yam....like Popeye the sailor man.
2006-09-22 19:17:41 · answer #2 · answered by surfnsfree 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You know, I never thought about this specifically although I did ask the same question after years of therapy and five anger management classes.
I'm not even sure anymore.
2006-09-22 19:19:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats probably why I cannot imagine being the same person I was at 15 thank you!
2006-09-22 19:17:24 · answer #4 · answered by Busy Lady 2010 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DNA has memory, so yes I am and always will be "me." Living with a type A control freak strips away that assuredness, though. I'm becoming his perfect woman, ain't that ain't necessarily me, unfortunately. Sweet as he is, I CAN feel my molecules shifting.
2006-09-22 19:16:01 · answer #5 · answered by Sleek 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am definately not the same person i was about 6 years ago ... physically, mentally and spiritually
2006-09-22 19:23:18 · answer #6 · answered by Peace 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The DNA stays the same regardless of mitosis...
2006-09-22 19:16:47 · answer #7 · answered by Shinkirou Hasukage 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
See now, that is why most adults would not consider ourselves to be the same person we were in our teens...ok, so not really why...lol
2006-09-22 19:30:36 · answer #8 · answered by Indigo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Til the very last day.
2006-09-22 19:14:49 · answer #9 · answered by vanamont7 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your soul and spirit are still you....... and will be you for all eternity..... So the important thing is to make sure you are born again so that when Jesus returns that "you" can go to heaven and spend all eternity with Jesus..
2006-09-22 19:17:17 · answer #10 · answered by AlanElaine 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋