What is the function of a telomere?

The function of a telomere is to protect the ends of chromosomes from damage, degradation, and fusion with other chromosomes during cell division. Telomeres act as a buffer, preventing the loss of genetic material from the chromosome ends. Each time a cell divides, telomeres shorten slightly, which limits the number of times a cell can divide. This process prevents the accumulation of genetic mutations and helps maintain genomic stability. In addition, telomeres help avoid the inappropriate repair of chromosome ends, which could lead to fusion events or genomic instability.