Final answer:
Telomerase is an enzyme complex critical for maintaining telomeres, the DNA at the end of chromosomes, playing a vital role in cell division, aging, and cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Telomerase is an enzyme complex that plays a crucial role in chromosome protection and replication. Its primary function is to maintain telomeres, which are the repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes. By using an inbuilt RNA template, telomerase adds these repetitive nucleotide sequences to the 3' end of DNA strands, compensating for the shortening that occurs during cell division. This process is essential in germ cells, adult stem cells, and some cancer cells, which need to divide extensively. Furthermore, telomerase activity is associated with the aging process, as its absence in most somatic cells leads to telomere shortening over time, which is linked to cellular aging and dysfunction.
Research has indicated that telomerase reactivation in organisms such as telomerase-deficient mice can reverse signs of aging and improve the function of multiple organ systems. This discovery has potential implications for regenerative medicine and the treatment of age-related diseases. Additionally, in the context of cancer, cancer cells often reactivate telomerase to enable continuous division. Understanding and potentially inhibiting this activity has become a target for cancer therapies.