Final answer:
Telomeres are the ends of linear chromosomes consisting of noncoding repetitive sequences. They protect coding sequences from being lost as cells divide. Telomerase is the enzyme responsible for adding telomeres to the ends of chromosomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Telomeres are the ends of linear chromosomes and consist of noncoding repetitive sequences. In humans, telomeres are made up of a six base-pair sequence, TTAGGG, that is repeated 100 to 1000 times. These repetitive sequences protect the coding sequences from being lost as cells divide. Telomeres are added to the ends of chromosomes by an enzyme called telomerase, which helps maintain the chromosome ends.