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Related Concept Videos

Telomeres and Telomerase02:41

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 Telomerase02:41

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 Eukaryotes01:29

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 Eukaryotes02:31

Replication in Eukaryotes

Overview
Replicative Cell Senescence02:15

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...
Translesion DNA Polymerases02:10

Translesion DNA Polymerases

Translesion (TLS) polymerases rescue stalled DNA polymerases at sites of damaged bases by replacing the replicative polymerase and installing a nucleotide across the damaged site. Doing so, TLS allows additional time for the cell to repair the damage before resuming regular DNA replication.
TLS polymerases are found in all three domains of life - archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. Of the different classes of TLS polymerases, members of the Y family are fitted with specialized structures that...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Analyzing Telomeric Protein-DNA Interactions Using Single-Molecule Magnetic Tweezers
11:21

Analyzing Telomeric Protein-DNA Interactions Using Single-Molecule Magnetic Tweezers

Published on: August 30, 2024

Mitochondrial telomerase reverse transcriptase binds to and protects mitochondrial DNA and function from damage.

Judith Haendeler1, Stefan Dröse, Nicole Büchner

  • 1Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Centre of Biological Chemistry, University of Frankfurt, Germany. juhae001@uni-duesseldorf.de

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
|March 7, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Mitochondrial telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) binds to mitochondrial DNA, enhancing respiratory chain activity and protecting cells from oxidative stress. This enzyme plays a crucial role in mitochondrial function and cellular protection.

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Semi-quantitative Detection of RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase Activity of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Protein
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Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence
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Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence

Published on: May 22, 2013

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Analyzing Telomeric Protein-DNA Interactions Using Single-Molecule Magnetic Tweezers
11:21

Analyzing Telomeric Protein-DNA Interactions Using Single-Molecule Magnetic Tweezers

Published on: August 30, 2024

Semi-quantitative Detection of RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase Activity of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Protein
08:26

Semi-quantitative Detection of RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase Activity of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Protein

Published on: June 12, 2018

Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence
12:08

Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence

Published on: May 22, 2013

Area of Science:

  • Mitochondrial biology
  • Enzymology
  • Cellular stress response

Background:

  • Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is primarily known for nuclear telomere maintenance.
  • Emerging evidence suggests TERT also localizes to mitochondria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the precise mitochondrial localization of TERT.
  • To elucidate the function of mitochondrial TERT.

Main Methods:

  • Immunofluorescence and biochemical assays for TERT localization.
  • DNA-binding assays using mitochondrial DNA.
  • Enzyme activity assays (respiratory chain complex I).
  • Studies involving TERT knockout/knockdown models and oxidative stress induction (H2O2, UVB).

Main Results:

  • TERT is localized within the mitochondrial matrix, binding to mitochondrial DNA (ND1, ND2 regions).
  • TERT binding protects mitochondrial DNA from damage and enhances respiratory chain activity, particularly Complex I.
  • TERT ablation increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and apoptosis sensitivity.
  • In vivo studies show TERT deficiency leads to reduced mitochondrial activity and increased sensitivity to UVB radiation.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondrial TERT has a novel protective function.
  • TERT binds mitochondrial DNA, boosting respiratory chain activity.
  • TERT safeguards against oxidative stress-induced damage and apoptosis.