Noun
telomere (plural telomeres)
(genetics) Either of the sequences of DNA at each end of a eukaryotic chromosome.
We and other groups are seeing clear statistical links between telomere shortness and risk for a variety of diseases that are becoming very common, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Elizabeth Blackburn
Also, the telomerase activity are unusually high in these cells when isolated from younger women but decline with age. citation Measurement Several techniques are currently employed to assess average telomere length in eukaryotic cells. Source: Internet
A mechanism for telomere elongation or maintenance is one of the key steps in cellular immortalization and can be used as a diagnostic marker in the clinic. Source: Internet
Among cell types characterized by extensive cell division (such as stem cells and certain white blood cells ), however, TERT is expressed at higher levels and telomere shortening is partially or fully prevented. Source: Internet
Because eukaryotes have linear chromosomes, DNA replication is unable to reach the very end of the chromosomes, but ends at the telomere region of repetitive DNA close to the ends. Source: Internet
Eukaryotic telomeres normally terminate with 3′ single-stranded-DNA overhang, which is essential for telomere maintenance and capping. Source: Internet