The function of telomerase is to add repetitive DNA sequences to the ends of chromosomes (telomeres) during cell division. This enzymatic process helps prevent the progressive shortening of telomeres, which occurs naturally as cells divide. Telomerase works by using an RNA template that is part of the enzyme to add nucleotide repeats to the telomeres. By maintaining telomere length, telomerase helps cells avoid entering senescence or undergoing apoptosis, thus contributing to cellular longevity. Telomerase is active in germ cells, stem cells, and many cancer cells but is usually inactive in most somatic cells.
