Question

Telomerase, ar-enzyme implicated in aging and cell lifespan, helps overcome this problem. Telomerase adds additional deoxynucleotides to the end of the chromosome, lengthening it. This DNA sequence, or telomere, prevents the loss of essential DNA from the ends of chromosomes.

1. Which statements describe telomeres and the actions of telomerase?
O Telomerase activity is turned off in most human cells, causing the telomeres to gradually shorten as the individual ages.
O Telomerase contains a G‑rich template sequence that adds a C‑rich DNA sequence to the lagging strand of the chromosome.
O Inappropriate activation of telomerase can result in cellular immortality, one of the cellular changes implicated in the development of cancer.
O Telomerase consists of an RNA template and a protein component that adds complementary nucleotides to the 3′ end of DNA.
O A telomere forms a loop with a section of the complementary DNA strand, protecting the chromosome from degradation by endonucleases.

Answer 1

Inappropriate activation of telomerase can result in cellular immortality, one of the cellular changes implicated in the development of cancer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Some studies show that when telomerase activity is stimulated and a tumor suppressor gene (the p16INK4a gene) is inactivated, cellular immortalization occurs, which constitutes an important step towards the formation of a tumor.