What is the role of telomeres in chromosomes?

Telomeres play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of chromosomes. They are repetitive nucleotide sequences at the ends of linear chromosomes that serve to protect the chromosome ends from deterioration or from fusion with neighboring chromosomes, which could lead to genomic instability. Each time a cell divides, a portion of the telomere is lost due to the nature of DNA replication. If telomeres were not present, the ends of chromosomes could fray, potentially leading to the loss of vital genetic information or the formation of unstable chromosomal structures.

The protection provided by telomeres is essential for cellular aging and the prevention of diseases such as cancer, where chromosome integrity is compromised. Thus, their primary role is to ensure the stability and proper functioning of chromosomes throughout the cell division processes. This understanding is critical in the field of genetics and cellular biology, highlighting why telomeres are foundational to the maintenance of genetic material.