Telomeres Function

Telomeres Function

Telomeres function as caps that protect the DNA of chromosomes. Chromosomes are strands of DNA that contain a cell’s genetic information. Telomeres are special sections of DNA that don’t contain genetic information but serve as caps so the ends of the chromosomes don’t fray.

If the caps weren’t present the DNA would bind with other chromosomes and corrupt the genetic information stored in the DNA. Telomeres also function as part of cell’s aging and death process.

Over the lifetime of a cell it replicates and passes on its DNA to copies of itself. This allows for the continued replication of healthy vibrant cells.

Each time the cell replicates the telomere becomes a little bit shorter. Once the telomere reaches a certain length the cell can no longer replicate which leads to the aging of the cell, cell death, or the cell can become cancerous.