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A telomere protects the ends of chromosomes from degradation and prevents the loss of genetic material during DNA replication. Each telomere consists of repetitive DNA sequences and acts as a buffer to ensure that important genes located closer to the center of chromosomes are not lost when DNA is replicated. Telomeres also prevent chromosomes from fusing with each other, which could cause genomic instability. As cells divide, telomeres gradually shorten, and when they become too short, cells stop dividing or undergo programmed cell death, contributing to the aging process.
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