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Telomeres and Telomerase definitions

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  • Telomere
    Protective DNA sequence at chromosome ends, composed of many non-coding repeats, preventing loss of genetic information during replication.
  • Telomerase
    Enzyme containing an RNA template, responsible for adding repetitive DNA sequences to chromosome ends, maintaining their length.
  • Chromosome
    Linear DNA structure in cells, carrying genetic information, with specialized ends requiring unique replication mechanisms.
  • Lagging Strand
    DNA strand synthesized discontinuously during replication, forming Okazaki fragments and facing challenges at chromosome ends.
  • Okazaki Fragment
    Short DNA segment produced on the lagging strand, initiated by RNA primers, essential for complete DNA replication.
  • RNA Primer
    Short RNA sequence providing a starting point for DNA polymerase to synthesize new DNA strands during replication.
  • Reverse Transcription
    Process where RNA serves as a template for synthesizing DNA, as seen in telomerase activity at chromosome ends.
  • DNA Polymerase
    Enzyme that extends DNA strands by adding nucleotides, requiring a primer to initiate synthesis.
  • Germ Cell
    Reproductive cell type, such as egg or sperm, containing high telomerase levels to ensure intact chromosomes for offspring.
  • Somatic Cell
    Non-reproductive body cell, typically with little or no telomerase, leading to gradual telomere shortening and aging.
  • Senescence
    Cellular state where division ceases due to critically short telomeres, resulting in old, non-replicating cells.
  • Repetitive Sequence
    Non-coding DNA motif, such as TTA GGG, added repeatedly to chromosome ends to prevent genetic loss.
  • Aging
    Biological process influenced by telomere shortening in somatic cells, contributing to cell death and tissue renewal limits.