Final answer:
Telomerase is crucial for maintaining telomeres in germ cells, allowing for normal reproductive health. In cancer cells, it provides a form of 'immortality' by rebuilding telomeres, thus promoting cell division. Inhibiting telomerase in cancer cells is a promising cancer therapy strategy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Significance of Telomerase in Germ and Cancer Cells
The enzyme telomerase plays a significant role in maintaining chromosome stability within cells, particularly in germ line cells and cancer cells. In germ line cells, which give rise to gametes, telomerase ensures that the telomeres, or protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, do not shorten during cell division. This is crucial for the reproductive health and longevity of an organism, allowing for the accurate transmission of genetic information.
In the context of cancer cells, telomerase becomes particularly interesting. Cancer is marked by aberrant cell growth, with these cells often having shortened telomeres. Telomerase becomes active in cancer cells after the telomeres have already shortened, effectively giving the cancer cells a form of 'immortality' by rebuilding the telomeres and enabling them to continue dividing. If the action of telomerase in cancer cells can be inhibited, which is a current area of research in cancer therapy, it could potentially prevent the cancer cells from further proliferating.
The discovery of telomerase and its functions provided by Elizabeth Blackburn merited her the Nobel Prize and has ushered in new avenues of research in regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.