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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.
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...
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...
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

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Utilizing Murine Inducible Telomerase Alleles in the Studies of Tissue Degeneration/Regeneration and Cancer
08:34

Utilizing Murine Inducible Telomerase Alleles in the Studies of Tissue Degeneration/Regeneration and Cancer

Published on: April 13, 2015

Telomeres and disease.

Peter M Lansdorp1

  • 1Terry Fox Laboratory, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. plansdor@bccrc.ca

The EMBO Journal
|July 25, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Telomeres, protective caps on chromosomes, are vital for human stem cell health. Reduced telomerase activity causes various diseases, with varied symptoms due to genetic and environmental factors.

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Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Utilizing Murine Inducible Telomerase Alleles in the Studies of Tissue Degeneration/Regeneration and Cancer
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Published on: April 13, 2015

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Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Telomeres are guanine-rich repeats synthesized by telomerase.
  • Complete telomerase loss is tolerated in many species, but reduced levels in humans are linked to diseases like cancer and bone marrow failure.
  • Species-specific differences in telomerase deficiency phenotypes suggest a tumor suppressor role for telomeres in long-lived mammals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the role of telomeres and telomerase in human stem cell biology from a Darwinian perspective.
  • To explain the variable disease presentation in individuals with genetic defects in telomerase genes.
  • To propose factors contributing to the diverse phenotypes of heritable telomerase deficiencies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on telomeres, telomerase, and associated diseases.
  • Comparative analysis of telomere biology across different species.
  • Exploration of genetic, environmental, and stochastic factors influencing disease phenotype.

Main Results:

  • Reduced telomerase levels in humans are associated with a range of diseases, including cancer and bone marrow failure.
  • Phenotypic variability in heritable telomerase deficiencies is observed even among family members with identical genetic defects.
  • A Darwinian perspective highlights the tumor suppressor function of telomeres in long-lived mammals.

Conclusions:

  • The variable phenotype and penetrance of heritable human telomerase deficiencies are likely influenced by a combination of environmental, genetic, and stochastic factors.
  • Understanding these factors is crucial for diagnosing and managing telomere-related diseases.
  • Telomere biology plays a critical role in human health, aging, and disease, with implications for evolutionary adaptation.