How does telomerase solve the chromosome end problem in Eukaryotes?
Telomerase extends the 3′ end of the telomere so that the additional 3′ end can act as a template for a new Okazaki fragment on the 5′ end. Telomerase does this by matching its RNA template with the ssDNA of the telomere. The sequence of the RNA template is repeating, so there is an unbound portion of the template beyond the 3′ end of the ssDNA. It is at this unbound portion that nucleotides bind, extending the 3′ end of the ssDNA. Upon release of the telomerase, the ssDNA of the telomere is paired with a new fragment on the 5′ end of the telomere. The Okazaki fragment is then repaired leaving the telomere with an extension (still having a 3′ overhang).
