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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...
Chromosome Structure02:40

Chromosome Structure

A functional eukaryotic chromosome must contain three elements: a centromere, telomeres, and numerous origins of replication.
The centromere is a DNA sequence that links sister chromatids. This is also where kinetochores, protein complexes to which spindle microtubules attach, are constructed after the chromosome is replicated. The kinetochores allow the spindle microtubules to move the chromosomes within the cell during cell division.
Telomeres consist of non-coding repetitive nucleotide...

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Monkeyflower (Mimulus) uncovers the evolutionary basis of the eukaryote telomere sequence variation.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

In vitro Reconstitution of the Active T. castaneum Telomerase
09:25

In vitro Reconstitution of the Active T. castaneum Telomerase

Published on: July 14, 2011

It all comes together at the ends: telomerase structure, function, and biogenesis.

Joshua D Podlevsky1, Julian J-L Chen

  • 1Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1604, USA.

Mutation Research
|November 19, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Telomerase, an enzyme essential for chromosome maintenance, comprises telomerase RNA and telomerase reverse transcriptase. Understanding its structure and function is key for developing therapies for cancer and telomere-related diseases.

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

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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

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Last Updated: May 27, 2026

In vitro Reconstitution of the Active T. castaneum Telomerase
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Published on: July 14, 2011

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

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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:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Telomerase is a specialized reverse transcriptase responsible for adding telomeric DNA repeats to chromosome ends.
  • This process counteracts the shortening that occurs due to the end-replication problem of linear chromosomes.
  • Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein complex, consisting of telomerase RNA (TR) and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), with accessory proteins involved in its regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structural and functional characteristics of telomerase.
  • To discuss the techniques used to assess telomerase dysfunction.
  • To highlight the significance of telomerase research for therapeutic development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on telomerase structure and function.
  • Analysis of identified structural and functional features of TR and TERT.
  • Examination of accessory proteins involved in telomerase biogenesis and regulation.
  • Overview of methods for assessing telomerase activity and dysfunction.

Main Results:

  • Telomerase activity is crucial for maintaining telomere length and genomic stability.
  • Specific structural and functional domains within TR and TERT are essential for enzyme activity.
  • Accessory proteins play vital roles in telomerase assembly, localization, and regulation.
  • Various techniques are available to study telomerase dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive understanding of telomerase molecular mechanisms is critical for advancing therapies.
  • Targeting telomerase holds promise for treating telomere-mediated disorders and various cancers.
  • Further research into telomerase structure, function, and regulation will facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies.