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telomere
(tel´o-mēr)
either of the ends of a eukaryotic chromosome, consisting of many repeats of a short DNA sequence in specific orientation.
Telomere functions include protecting the ends of the chromosome, so that chromosomes do not end up joined together, and allowing
replication of the extreme ends of the chromosomes (by telomerase). The number of repeats of telomeric DNA at the end of a chromosome decreases with age and telomeres may play roles in aging
and cancer.
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