What is telomere length?

Telomere length refers to the number of repeating DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes. Telomeres consist of repetitive nucleotide sequences, and their length is an important determinant of the replicative capacity of a cell. As cells divide, telomeres shorten gradually, and this shortening is associated with the aging process and cellular senescence. The length of telomeres varies between individuals, tissues, and cell types. A longer telomere length is generally associated with a greater number of cell divisions, while shorter telomeres indicate a limited capacity for cell division and may be a sign of aging or disease.