Biology / Unit 6 Bio 1237 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Telomerase
Captions available
The idea
Telomerase is an enzyme carrying its own RNA template that extends a chromosome's telomeric repeats, countering the shortening lagging-strand synthesis causes.
In practice
Telomerase adds repeat after repeat using its built-in RNA, then ordinary replication fills in the rest.
Where people slip
Most human somatic cells make little or no telomerase, so their telomeres shorten across divisions — this states mechanism only, not a health claim.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Unlocks
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Biology