Telomérrel

Telomérrel is a Finnish word that translates to "with telomeres" in English. Telomeres are specialized nucleotide sequences located at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. They serve a crucial protective function, preventing the loss of genetic information during DNA replication and safeguarding the integrity of the chromosome.

The shortening of telomeres over time is a natural process associated with cellular aging and is thought to be a significant factor in the overall aging of an organism. This shortening occurs because DNA polymerase, the enzyme responsible for replicating DNA, cannot fully copy the very ends of linear chromosomes. Consequently, a small portion of the telomere is lost with each cell division.

The enzyme telomerase can counteract this shortening by adding repetitive nucleotide sequences back to the telomeres, thereby maintaining their length. Telomerase activity is high in germ cells and stem cells, allowing for continuous cell division, but it is generally low or absent in most somatic cells. The presence and activity of telomeres and telomerase are areas of active research in biology, particularly concerning aging, cancer, and regenerative medicine.