TELOMERE Meaning and
Definition
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Telomeres are repetitive nucleotide sequences that are present at the ends of chromosomes, acting as protective caps that prevent degradation and fusion of the chromosomes. They consist of specialized DNA sequences composed of tandem repeats of a specific nucleotide sequence, such as TTAGGG in humans, which are repeated hundreds to thousands of times.
The primary function of telomeres is to maintain the stability and integrity of the chromosome by preventing the erosion of important genetic information during DNA replication. Each time a cell divides, a small portion of the telomere is lost due to the inability of DNA polymerase to fully replicate the terminal ends. This gradual shortening of telomeres acts as a molecular clock, limiting the lifespan of a cell and ultimately leading to cellular senescence or apoptosis.
Telomeres have attracted significant research interest due to their association with aging and various diseases, including cancer. Telomerase, an enzyme that adds telomeric DNA sequences to the ends of chromosomes, plays a crucial role in counteracting telomere shortening. In most normal human somatic cells, telomerase is not active, resulting in telomere shortening over time. However, it is highly active in certain stem cells and cancer cells, enabling them to maintain telomere length and proliferate indefinitely.
Understanding telomeres and their regulation has provided insights into the biology of aging and disease development. Research into telomeres and telomerase continues to expand, with potential applications in the areas of aging interventions, regenerative medicine, and cancer therapeutics.
Common Misspellings for TELOMERE
- relomere
- felomere
- gelomere
- yelomere
- 6elomere
- 5elomere
- twlomere
- tslomere
- tdlomere
- trlomere
- t4lomere
- t3lomere
- tekomere
- tepomere
- teoomere
- telimere
- telkmere
- tellmere
- telpmere
- telemore
- telomor
- Glomere
Etymology of TELOMERE
The word "telomere" is derived from the Greek words "telos" meaning "end", and "meros" meaning "part". Therefore, "telomere" literally translates to "end part" or "end segment". This name was given to the structures found at the ends of chromosomes because they are crucial for maintaining their stability and integrity.
Similar spelling word for TELOMERE
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