Telomere (Noun)
Meaning
Either (free) end of a eukaryotic chromosome; "telomeres act as caps to keep the sticky ends of chromosomes from randomly clumping together".
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The telomere is a repetitive DNA sequence that protects the end of a chromosome from deterioration or fusion with neighboring chromosomes.
- Telomeres act as caps to keep the sticky ends of chromosomes from randomly clumping together, which can lead to genetic mutations and cell death.
- The length of a telomere can be an indicator of a cell's age, as it naturally shortens with each cell division.
- In some cancer cells, the enzyme telomerase is overactive, allowing the telomeres to be rebuilt and the cells to divide indefinitely.
- The protective function of telomeres is crucial for maintaining genome stability and preventing chromosomal abnormalities.