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In science, the chemical telomerase is enzyme that is part of the DNA structure in humans. The chemical is used to help hinder the loss of important DNA in the ends of chromosomes.

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When is telomerase active?

Telomerase is typically active during cell division to maintain the length of telomeres, which are protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. In most somatic cells, telomerase activity is low or absent, but in stem cells, germ cells, and cancer cells, telomerase is more active to prevent telomere shortening.


What does the telomerase enzyme do?

Telomerase maintains the telomeres of chromosomes in order to prevent cell death. This enzyme added sequences onto the ends of the chromosomes, thereby preventing extreme shortening and loss of genetic material. In a way, telomerase would give cells immortal life, by continuously regenerating its ends. However, telomerase are usually inactive in the human body because normal cells do not divide frequently, and therefore, the chromosomes do not shorten.


Are there any types of human body cells where telomerase activation would be advantageous or even necessary?

Yes, telomerase activation can be advantageous in certain types of human body cells, particularly stem cells and germ cells. In these cells, telomerase helps maintain telomere length, allowing for continuous division and the potential for tissue regeneration and repair. Additionally, in some cancer therapies, telomerase inhibitors are being explored to target cancer cells, which often express telomerase to sustain their rapid proliferation. However, excessive telomerase activity can also contribute to tumorigenesis, so its regulation is critical.


What is the enzyme that replicates the end of chromosomes?

Telomerase is the enzyme that replicates the end of chromosomes, specifically the telomeres. Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division, and telomerase helps maintain their length to prevent loss of genetic information and cellular senescence.


What is telomerase. In what cells is telomerase normally functioning?

Telomerase is an enzyme that adds repetitive nucleotide sequences to the ends of chromosomes, known as telomeres, thereby preventing their shortening during cell division. It is primarily active in stem cells, germ cells, and certain types of cancer cells, allowing these cells to maintain their ability to divide indefinitely. In most somatic cells, telomerase activity is low or absent, leading to gradual telomere shortening and eventual cellular aging.

Related Questions

Is telomerase active in somatic cells?

No, telomerase is typically not active in somatic cells.


At what end of the DNA does telomerase extend?

Telomerase extends the end of DNA at the telomeres.


When is telomerase active?

Telomerase is typically active during cell division to maintain the length of telomeres, which are protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. In most somatic cells, telomerase activity is low or absent, but in stem cells, germ cells, and cancer cells, telomerase is more active to prevent telomere shortening.


What does the telomerase enzyme do?

Telomerase maintains the telomeres of chromosomes in order to prevent cell death. This enzyme added sequences onto the ends of the chromosomes, thereby preventing extreme shortening and loss of genetic material. In a way, telomerase would give cells immortal life, by continuously regenerating its ends. However, telomerase are usually inactive in the human body because normal cells do not divide frequently, and therefore, the chromosomes do not shorten.


What is the function of telomerase?

Telomerase function is to protect the chromosome ends. This protein binds to the ends of the chromosomes solving issues with DNA end replication


What has the author Zhou Songyang written?

Zhou Songyang has written: 'Telomeres and telomerase' -- subject(s): Telomerase, Laboratory manuals, Physiology, Telomere


What are both aging and cancer caused by?

telomerase


Do humans possess telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining the length of telomeres?

Yes, humans do possess telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining the length of telomeres.


What is the enzyme that replicates the end of chromosomes?

Telomerase is the enzyme that replicates the end of chromosomes, specifically the telomeres. Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division, and telomerase helps maintain their length to prevent loss of genetic information and cellular senescence.


What is least Related to the others on this list okazaki fragments replication fork telomerase DNA polymerase semiconservative model?

Telomerase is the least related because it is not directly involved in the replication process of DNA like Okazaki fragments, the replication fork, DNA polymerase, or the semi-conservative model. Telomerase functions to maintain the length of telomeres in eukaryotic chromosomes, which is separate from the actual DNA replication machinery.


What enzyme is present in cancer cells which scientists believe allows the cancer cells to keep growing indefinitely?

The enzyme present in cancer cells that allows them to keep growing indefinitely is called telomerase. Telomerase helps maintain the length of the telomeres, which are the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. By preventing telomeres from shortening with each cell division, telomerase enables cancer cells to keep dividing and growing uncontrollably.


What do telomerase do?

enzyme that helps in sythesis and elongation of telomere length