Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Telomeres and Telomerase

Telomeres and Telomerase

In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded DNA.

Telomeres and Telomerase

Telomeres and Telomerase

In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded DNA.

Replication in Eukaryotes

Replication in Eukaryotes

In eukaryotic cells, DNA replication is highly conserved and tightly regulated. Multiple linear chromosomes must be duplicated with high fidelity before cell division, so there are many proteins that fulfill specialized roles in the replication process. Replication occurs in three phases: initiation, elongation, and termination, and ends with two complete sets of chromosomes in the nucleus.
Many Proteins Orchestrate Replication at the Origin
Eukaryotic replication follows many of the same...

Replication in Eukaryotes

Replication in Eukaryotes

Seed Structure and Early Development of the Sporophyte

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.

Replicative Cell Senescence

Replicative Cell Senescence

Replicative cell senescence is a property of cells that allows them to divide a finite number of times throughout the organism's lifespan while preventing excessive proliferation. Replicative senescence is associated with the gradual loss of the telomere — short, repetitive DNA sequences found at the end of the chromosomes. Telomeres are bound by a group of proteins to form a protective cap on the ends of chromosomes. Embryonic stem cells express telomerase — an enzyme that adds the telomeric...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

TSitologiia i genetika·2018

Same author

Possible role of pectin-containing mucilage and dew in repairing embryo DNA of seeds adapted to desert conditions.

Annals of botany·2007

Same author

Quantitative electrical impedance analysis of cartilage degradation.

Biorheology·2004

Same author

Molecular basis of osteoarthritis: biomechanical aspects.

Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS·2002

Same author

Mechanical deformation of polymer matrix controlled release devices modulates drug release.

Journal of biomedical materials research·1992

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Reliable Method for Assessing Seed Germination, Dormancy, and Mortality under Field Conditions

Reliable Method for Assessing Seed Germination, Dormancy, and Mortality under Field Conditions

Published on: November 6, 2016

Telomeres and seed banks.

I Boubriak¹, V Pouschuk, A Grodzinsky

¹School of Biological and Molecular Sciences, Oxford Brookes University Gipsy Lane, Headington, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK.

Tsitologiia I Genetika

|April 13, 2007

Summary

Seed storage causes telomere loss and DNA fragmentation, leading to germination failure. Telomere sequences show potential as markers for embryo aging in seed banks.

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Plant Science
Seed Science

Background:

Seed viability decreases over time during dry storage.
Telomeres, protective caps on DNA, shorten with age in some organisms.
Understanding molecular changes during seed aging is crucial for conservation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between seed storage duration and telomere dynamics.
To explore the potential of telomere sequences as biomarkers for seed embryo aging.

Main Methods:

Analysis of DNA fragmentation and telomere distribution in seeds stored for extended periods.
Correlation of molecular changes with observed seed germination rates.

Main Results:

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Reliable Method for Assessing Seed Germination, Dormancy, and Mortality under Field Conditions

Reliable Method for Assessing Seed Germination, Dormancy, and Mortality under Field Conditions

Published on: November 6, 2016

Progressive loss of telomeric sequences from high molecular weight DNA was observed with increased storage time.
Increased appearance of telomeres at low molecular weight DNA, indicating fragmentation.
Seed germination decreased from 98% to 0% correlating with telomere changes.
Evidence suggests both random DNA fragmentation and overall telomere loss during storage.

Conclusions:

Telomere sequences exhibit potential as a reliable "equality marker" for monitoring embryo aging in stored seeds.
Telomere dynamics provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of seed aging and viability loss.
This research supports the use of molecular markers for effective seed bank management and conservation efforts.