How does the enzyme telomerase meet the challenge of replicating the ends of linear chromosomes?
A) It adds a single 5' cap structure that resists degradation by nucleases.
B) It causes specific double-strand DNA breaks that result in blunt ends on both strands.
C) It catalyses the lengthening of telomeres, compensating for the shortening that could occur during replication without telomerase activity.
D) It adds numerous GC pairs, which resist hydrolysis and maintain chromosome integrity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Telomerase catalyses the lengthening of telomeres, which are the repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of linear chromosomes. During DNA replication, the lagging strand cannot be fully replicated, which results in the gradual shortening of telomeres. Telomerase adds additional repeats to the telomeres, compensating for this shortening and maintaining the chromosome's integrity.

How Does the Enzyme Telomerase Meet the Challenge of Replicating