[go: up one dir, main page]
Scribd
Upload
9 views1 page

Test Class Note PDFGDF - 00012987342

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at chromosome ends that protect them from damage and play a crucial role in cell division, aging, and cancer. They shorten with each cell division, acting as a 'molecular clock' that limits cell replication. The enzyme telomerase can rebuild telomeres, which is often exploited by cancer cells to enable unlimited division.

Uploaded by

Ben England
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
9 views1 page

Test Class Note PDFGDF - 00012987342

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at chromosome ends that protect them from damage and play a crucial role in cell division, aging, and cancer. They shorten with each cell division, acting as a 'molecular clock' that limits cell replication. The enzyme telomerase can rebuild telomeres, which is often exploited by cancer cells to enable unlimited division.

Uploaded by

Ben England
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

Telemeres are the essence of life.

Dna

Rna

A telomere is a region of repetitive DNA sequences at the end of a chromosome that protects the end of
the chromosome from becoming frayed or tangled. They are essential for cell division and play a role in
aging and cancer. Each time a cell divides, telomeres shorten. When they become too short, the cell can
no longer divide and may die, or in some cases, become cancerous.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

 Structure:

Telomeres are located at the tips of chromosomes and are made up of DNA sequences and proteins. In
humans, the sequence is typically TTAGGG repeated many times.

  Function:

They protect the ends of chromosomes from damage and fusion, similar to the plastic tips on shoelaces.
They also play a role in cell division and aging.

  Telomere Shortening:

Telomeres naturally shorten with each cell division. This shortening acts as a "molecular clock," limiting
the number of times a cell can divide.

  Implications of Shortening:

When telomeres become critically short, cells can no longer divide and may enter a state of senescence
(cellular aging) or apoptosis (programmed cell death).

  Telomerase:

An enzyme called telomerase can rebuild telomeres, restoring the cell's ability to divide. Telomerase
activity is often found in cancer cells, allowing them to divide indefinitely.

You might also like