Eukaryotic DNA is equipped with special ends called

Chapter 21, Problem 88E

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Problem 88E

Eukaryotic DNA is equipped with special ends called telomers. Telomers are made up of hexanucleotide sequences that repeat at the ends of the DNA. For example, human DNA features repeating AGGGTT sequences. Functionally, telomers protect the ends of chromosomes from being treated as a broken piece of DNA in need of repair. Interestingly, telomers are cut off each time the DNA is replicated, indicating a possible cellular clock that allows only a certain number of cellular replications. Telomerase is the enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of telomers. Telomerase is present in limited quantities within certain cells such as fetal tissue, adult male germ cells, and stern cells. It is also found in over 35% of tumor cells. Researchers speculate that the telomerase activity may be linked to cancer. Propose an explanation for why telomerase activity could be associated with cancer and speculate on ways in which cancer treatments in the future may capitalize on research on this enzyme.