Final answer:
Telomeres are added to the ends of chromosomes by the enzyme telomerase. DNA nucleotides complementary to an RNA template are added on the 3' end of the DNA strand. Once the lagging strand template is elongated, DNA polymerase adds the nucleotides complementary to the ends of the chromosomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Telomeres are added to the ends of chromosomes by the enzyme telomerase. Telomerase contains a built-in RNA template that attaches to the end of the chromosome. DNA nucleotides complementary to the RNA template are then added on the 3' end of the DNA strand. Once the lagging strand template is sufficiently elongated, DNA polymerase can add the nucleotides complementary to the ends of the chromosomes, completing the replication of the telomeres.