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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...

Telomeres and Telomerase

Telomeres and Telomerase

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

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...

Translesion DNA Polymerases

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: Mar 28, 2026

In vitro Reconstitution of the Active T. castaneum Telomerase

In vitro Reconstitution of the Active T. castaneum Telomerase

Published on: July 14, 2011

New Functions for Telomerase.

Cancer Research and Treatment

|December 19, 2015

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Telomeres protect chromosome ends and regulate cell lifespan. Telomere maintenance is crucial in cancer and aging, though its role in malignant transformation is complex and multifaceted.

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Last Updated: Mar 28, 2026

In vitro Reconstitution of the Active T. castaneum Telomerase

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Published on: July 14, 2011

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

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Published on: June 12, 2018

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

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

Published on: May 22, 2013

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Genetics
Cell Biology

Background:

Telomeres are protective structures at eukaryotic chromosome ends.
Telomere length stabilization is linked to cell immortalization and cancer.
Telomere maintenance is implicated in aging and malignant transformation.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the complex role of telomere biology in malignant transformation.
To investigate the functions of telomerase beyond telomere length maintenance.
To understand telomerase's regulatory roles in normal and cancer cells.

Main Methods:

Literature review of telomere biology and cancer research.
Analysis of evidence on telomere length regulation and its impact.
Examination of studies on telomerase expression and function.

Main Results:

Telomere alterations can both suppress and promote cancer.
Telomerase activation is common in human cancers.
Telomerase has regulatory roles beyond maintaining telomere length.

Conclusions:

Telomere maintenance is critical but complex in cancer development.
Telomerase's non-telomere maintenance functions are vital for cell physiology.
Further research into telomerase functions will illuminate normal and malignant cell behavior.