Question

What Is Telomerase in DNA Replication?

Answer 1

Telomerase:

1. Enzyme that stabilizes telomeres by adding TTAGGG repeats and reverse telomere shortening.
2. Telomeres are the repeating nucleotide sequences found at ends of each chromosome that prevent genes from being deleted because DNA polymerase do not have the ability to replicate DNA at ends of chromosomes.
3. Telomeres shorten with each cell cycle and are linked to the ageing process.
4. In most somatic cells, telomerase is inactive. It's found in germ cells and adult stem cells that need to divide several times.
5. Telomerase is active in cancer cells and therefore is thought to be responsible for tumour cell growth indefinitely.