Telomerase
Telomerase is an enzyme that helps maintain the ends of chromosomes, called telomeres. Telomeres protect our DNA during cell division, but they shorten each time a cell divides. When they become too short, cells can no longer divide properly, which is associated with aging and some diseases. Telomerase adds length to telomeres, allowing cells to divide more times without losing essential genetic information. This enzyme is particularly active in stem cells and cancer cells, giving them the ability to proliferate indefinitely, which is why researchers are interested in its role in aging and cancer.
Additional Insights
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Telomerase is an enzyme that helps maintain the ends of chromosomes, called telomeres. Every time a cell divides, telomeres get shorter, which can lead to aging and cell death. Telomerase adds sequence repeats to these ends, effectively slowing down this shortening process. It is active in stem cells and certain cancer cells, allowing them to divide indefinitely. This has implications for aging, cancer research, and regenerative medicine, as understanding telomerase could lead to therapies that enhance cell longevity or inhibit uncontrolled cell growth in tumors.