Question

The single-stranded protruding end of the telomere known as the G overhang can be extended by ________________, an enzyme with both a protein and an RNA component (also known as ribonucleoprotein).

A) DNA polymerase
B) DNA ligase
C) Telomerase
D) RNA primase

Answer 1

The G overhang of the telomere is extended by telomerase, which is the enzyme responsible for adding sequences to the ends of chromosomes, maintaining chromosomal integrity in cell division. Option C is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The single-stranded protruding end of the telomere known as the G overhang can be extended by telomerase, an enzyme with both a protein and an RNA component (also known as ribonucleoprotein). Among the options provided, Telomerase is the correct answer. Telomerase consists of a protein with reverse transcriptase activity called Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase, as well as an RNA component that serves as a template for the extension of the DNA strand. This enzyme adds nucleotides to the 3' end of the DNA, allowing the lagging strand to be sufficiently elongated so that DNA polymerase can complete the replication of chromosome ends. Telomerase is crucial for maintaining chromosomal integrity in eukaryotic organisms and is especially active in germ cells, stem cells, and certain cancer cells.