Telomerase is a cellular reverse transcriptase that helps to provide genomic stability in highly proliferative normal, immortal, and tumor cells by maintaining the integrity of the chromosome ends, the telomeres. The activity of telomerase is associated with the majority of malignant human cancers.
What does a telomerase do?
An enzyme in cells that helps keep them alive by adding DNA to telomeres (the ends of chromosomes). Each time a cell divides, the telomeres lose a small amount of DNA and become shorter. Over time, the chromosomes become damaged and the cells die.
