What is the function of telomerase?
What is the function of telomerase?
Answered
The primary function of telomerase is to maintain the length of telomeres by adding repetitive nucleotide sequences to the chromosome ends. This process compensates for the loss of telomeric DNA that occurs during DNA replication. Telomerase extends the telomeres, enabling cells to continue dividing beyond the normal limit imposed by telomere shortening. The presence of telomerase is critical in stem cells, germ cells, and many cancer cells, where continuous division is necessary. In most somatic cells, telomerase activity is low or absent, which results in progressive telomere shortening and contributes to cellular aging. Telomerase plays an essential role in maintaining genomic stability and preventing the onset of cellular senescence.
BNO Team