Why are telomeres important?

Telomeres are crucial for maintaining the stability and integrity of chromosomes. They protect the ends of chromosomes from damage, degradation, and fusion with other chromosomes during cell division. Telomeres act as a protective buffer, preventing the loss of important genetic information and maintaining the cell’s ability to replicate without errors. As cells divide, telomeres naturally shorten, and when they become critically short, the cell enters a state of senescence or apoptosis, preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation. This mechanism helps prevent the accumulation of mutations that could lead to cancer and ensures proper cellular function over time.