What is the function of telomeres?

What is the function of telomeres?

• A. Act as origins of replication
• B. Encode essential genes
• C. Allow recombination
• D. Protect the DNA from degradation by enzymes

Answer: (D)

Telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes. They are repetitive, noncoding DNA sequences that cap chromosome ends and are bound by protective proteins, creating a barrier that prevents degradation by nucleases and prevents the ends from being mistaken for DNA breaks. This shielding helps maintain genetic information during replication and prevents end-to-end chromosomal fusions. Over successive cell divisions, the ends shorten due to the end-replication problem, which is why telomeres act as a kind of cellular aging timer in most somatic cells. In some cells, like germ cells and certain stem cells, telomerase can extend these ends to maintain length. Telomeres are not origins of replication, they do not encode essential genes, and their primary role is not to enable recombination.

Telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes. They are repetitive, noncoding DNA sequences that cap chromosome ends and are bound by protective proteins, creating a barrier that prevents degradation by nucleases and prevents the ends from being mistaken for DNA breaks. This shielding helps maintain genetic information during replication and prevents end-to-end chromosomal fusions. Over successive cell divisions, the ends shorten due to the end-replication problem, which is why telomeres act as a kind of cellular aging timer in most somatic cells. In some cells, like germ cells and certain stem cells, telomerase can extend these ends to maintain length. Telomeres are not origins of replication, they do not encode essential genes, and their primary role is not to enable recombination.