What is a telomere in biology?

In biology, a telomere is a region of repetitive DNA sequences located at the ends of chromosomes. These sequences protect the chromosomes from degradation, prevent them from fusing with other chromosomes, and safeguard the genetic material during cell division. Telomeres are critical in maintaining genomic stability and preventing the loss of essential genetic information during DNA replication. Each chromosome has two telomeres, one at each end, and as cells divide, the telomeres shorten, which is linked to aging and cellular function.