By Rebecca Sohn – LiveScience.com
Telomeres are sections of DNA that are found at the ends of chromosomes and seem to play a role in aging.
Telomeres are the “caps” that protect the ends of DNA strands from being destroyed by a cell. They are made up of areas of repeated DNA sequences combined with specific proteins at the ends of chromosomes — the tightly wound structures of DNA and proteins inside cells. Telomeres play a role in how fast cells age, though exactly how isn’t totally clear.
Organisms without circular chromosomes — including humans, other animals, plants and even single-celled protists — have telomeres. Telomeres act as barriers, preventing DNA from being degraded and corrupted.
