What are telomeres and why are they important?
1 Answer
Jun 15, 2014
Telomeres are the terminal DNA sequences found in the chromatids of chromosomes.
Replicated chromosomes have two chromatids.
These sequences often have repetitive DNA sequences and their function is to maintain the integrity of the chromosome similar to the eyelets of shoelaces which not only in the threading of shoelaces but helps to prevent the shoelace from fraying.
As your chromosomes replicate, these telomeres shorten and therefore, older people have shorter telomeres. Also those cells with lost telomeres no longer can divide and the cell will die.
Some scientists believe that there is a link between aging and telomere length.
