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Related Concept Videos

Pollination and Flower Structure02:40

Pollination and Flower Structure

Flowers are the reproductive, seed-producing structures of angiosperms. Typically, flowers consist of sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels. Sepals and petals are the vegetative flower organs. Stamens and carpels are the reproductive organs.
Seed Structure and Early Development of the Sporophyte02:33

Seed Structure and Early Development of the Sporophyte

Seed structures are composed of a protective seed coat surrounding a plant embryo, and a food store for the developing embryo. The embryo contains the precursor tissues for leaves, stem, and roots. The endosperm and cotyledons—seed leaves—act as the food reserves for the growing embryo.
Fruit Development, Structure, and Function01:58

Fruit Development, Structure, and Function

Fruits form from a mature flower ovary. As seeds develop from the ovules contained within, the ovary wall undergoes a series of complex changes to form fruit. In some fruits, such as soybeans, the ovary wall dries; in other fruits, such as grapes, it remains fleshy. In some cases, organs other than the ovary contribute to fruit formation; such fruits are called accessory fruits.
Structural Protein Function01:56

Structural Protein Function

Structural proteins are a category of proteins responsible for functions ranging from cell shape and movement to providing support to major structures such as bones, cartilage, hair, and muscles. This group includes proteins such as collagen, actin, myosin, and keratin.
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity.  In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...
Animal and Plant Cell Structure01:30

Animal and Plant Cell Structure

Animal and plant cells not only differ in their structure, function, and mode of nutrition but also in how they reproduce, specialize, and organize into complex structures.
Cell Division
Though both plant and animal cells divide by mitosis (for non-gametic cells) and meiosis (for gametic cells), they differ in the specifics of this process. Unlike animal cells, plant cells lack centrosomes — an organelle responsible for organizing the spindle fibers and segregating the chromosomes during cell...
Structural Protein Function01:56

Structural Protein Function

Structural proteins are a category of proteins responsible for functions ranging from cell shape and movement to providing support to major structures such as bones, cartilage, hair, and muscles. This group includes proteins such as collagen, actin, myosin, and keratin.
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity.  In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to form...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Transverse Sectioning of Mature Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Kernels for Scanning Electron Microscopy Imaging Using Pipette Tips as Immobilization Support
05:22

Transverse Sectioning of Mature Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Kernels for Scanning Electron Microscopy Imaging Using Pipette Tips as Immobilization Support

Published on: January 25, 2022

Structure and function of telomeres.

E H Blackburn

    Nature
    |April 18, 1991
    PubMed
    Summary

    Telomeres, the protective DNA caps on chromosomes, have a unique structure and synthesis pathway. Telomerase, a specialized enzyme, is crucial for maintaining telomere length and ensuring cell viability.

    Area of Science:

    • Molecular Biology
    • Genetics
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Telomeres are specialized DNA-protein complexes capping the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes.
    • Their unique structure and function distinguish them from internal DNA sequences.
    • Maintaining telomere integrity is vital for genomic stability.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To highlight the unique synthesis mechanism of telomeres.
    • To emphasize the role of telomerase in telomere maintenance.
    • To underscore the importance of telomere synthesis for cellular longevity.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of recent research on telomere structure and synthesis.
    • Analysis of the enzymatic activity of telomerase (ribonucleoprotein reverse transcriptase).

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    A Simple Dry Sectioning Method for Obtaining Whole-Seed-Sized Resin Section and Its Applications

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    Transverse Sectioning of Mature Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Kernels for Scanning Electron Microscopy Imaging Using Pipette Tips as Immobilization Support
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    Published on: January 25, 2022

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  • Investigation of in vitro telomere structure formation.

    • Main Results:

    • Telomere DNA exhibits distinct structural and functional properties compared to other genomic DNA.
    • Telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein reverse transcriptase, synthesizes telomeric DNA.
    • Telomere synthesis by telomerase is indispensable for maintaining telomere length and promoting long-term cell survival.

    Conclusions:

    • Telomere synthesis is a critical process mediated by the unique enzyme telomerase.
    • The ability of telomeres to form unusual structures contributes to their function.
    • Effective telomere maintenance is essential for cellular viability and potentially aging processes.