Final answer:
Telomeres are repeated sequences of noncoding DNA at the chromosome ends, protected and lengthened by the enzyme telomerase.
Step-by-step explanation:
Telomeres are repeated sequences of DNA that are found at the end of chromosomes. These noncoding repetitive sequences play a crucial role in protecting the chromosome ends from deterioration or fusion with neighboring chromosomes.They consist of noncoding repetitive sequences that do not code for a particular gene. In humans, a six base-pair sequence, TTAGGG, is repeated 100 to 1000 times to form the telomere. Telomeres protect the coding sequences of the chromosome from being lost as cells continue to divide. An important enzyme, telomerase, aids in the addition of these sequences to the telomeres, thereby maintaining the length of chromosomes as cells divide. This process is vital for the longevity and the preservation of genetic information within the cell.