How does DNA present continous shortening of its ends during the replication process?
I’m assuming you meant, how does DNA prevent continuous shortening of its ends during the replication process? Chromosomes (which are a more organized form of DNA) have nucleotide sequences known as telomeres on either end. These are simply repetitive DNA sequences that don’t actually code for anything, but are simply there to protect replication mechanisms for eventually eroding away chromosomes. However, with every replication, telomeres shorten slightly, and will eventually erode away. Scientists have postulated that the shortening of telomeres plays a direct role in aging and life span, as after your telomeres have eroded away, the cell can no longer undergo replication without problems in the fidelity of replication. The enzyme telomerase is found in cancerous cells and germ cells, and serves to increase the length of telomeres. By doing this, cells become “rejuvenated” and are able to undergo more replications. This is especially necessary in these two cell types as they do not h
