Which of the Following is True About the Enzyme Telomerase

Question

Which of the following is true about the enzyme telomerase?  
A) It can re-establish telomere length.
B) It is found only in adult cells.
C) It is responsible for telomere shortening.
D) It may speed up the aging process.
E) It is expressed at low levels in cancer cells.

Accepted Answer

Telomerase is an enzyme that has the ability to add DNA back to the ends of chromosomes, thereby re-establishing telomere length. This process is important in maintaining cellular viability and replication, particularly in highly proliferative cells such as stem cells and cancers.

Answer: D 
 Some studies suggest that overexpression of telomerase may accelerate the aging process by promoting the proliferation of damaged cells. However, further research is needed to fully understand the role of telomerase in the aging process.

Answer: E 
 Many cancer cells have abnormally high levels of telomerase activity, which allows them to maintain telomere length and continue to divide uncontrollably. The expression of telomerase is often used as a target for cancer therapies.