Term Name:	replicative senescence
Synonyms:
Definition:	The process by which normal somatic cells reach an irreversible stage of cell cycle arrest following multiple rounds of replication; this end stage is associated with marked changes in gene expression and function. This is a natural barrier to unlimited proliferation of somatic cells, and is believed to be contolled by telomere shortening.
Ontology:	GO: Biological Process [GO:0090399]    QuickGO    AmiGO