Here's how it works:
* Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. They consist of repetitive DNA sequences that prevent the loss of important genetic information during replication.
* During DNA replication, the DNA polymerase enzyme cannot fully replicate the very ends of the linear chromosomes. This results in a shortening of the telomere with each replication cycle.
* Telomerase is a specialized enzyme that adds repetitive DNA sequences to the ends of chromosomes. This "fills in the gap" left by DNA polymerase and prevents the shortening of telomeres.
By maintaining telomere length, telomerase helps to protect the integrity of chromosomes and prevent cellular senescence (aging).
