telomere
A scientist points to a diagram showing telomeres at the ends of chromosomes.
Noun: A telomere is a specialized structure found at the end of a eukaryotic chromosome. It consists of a repetitive nucleotide sequence and associated proteins. Its primary biological function is to protect the chromosome from deterioration or from fusion with neighboring chromosomes, thereby preserving genetic information during cell division.
The word telomere is a technical term used primarily in the fields of genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. It refers to the physical end-cap of a chromosome. * Scientists study telomere length as a potential indicator of cellular aging. * Each time a cell divides, its telomeres become slightly shorter.
- Telomere shortening: The natural process where telomeres lose a small amount of DNA sequence with each cell division. This process is linked to cellular senescence and aging.
- Research suggests that chronic stress may accelerate telomere shortening.
- Telomere maintenance: The cellular mechanisms, often involving the enzyme telomerase, that preserve or lengthen telomeres.
- Some cancer cells achieve immortality through active telomere maintenance.
- Telomeric (adjective): Of or relating to a telomere.
- The telomeric DNA sequence in humans is TTAGGG.
- Telomerase (noun): A ribonucleoprotein enzyme that adds specific DNA sequence repeats to telomeres, counteracting their shortening.
- Telomerase activity is typically low in most adult somatic cells.
- Chromosome cap (descriptive synonym)
- Chromosome end (general synonym)
As a highly specific scientific noun, telomere does not form phrasal verbs or idioms. Its usage is literal and technical. Related concepts include: * Senescence: The condition or process of deterioration with age, often linked to telomere shortening. * Replication: The process of copying DNA, during which telomere shortening occurs.
A scientist points to a diagram showing telomeres at the ends of chromosomes.
- either (free) end of a eukaryotic chromosome
- telomeres act as caps to keep the sticky ends of chromosomes from randomly clumping together