To prevent the loss of genes as chromosome ends wear down, the tips of eukaryotic chromosomes have specialized DNA “caps” called telomeres. … Telomeres need to be protected from a cell’s DNA repair systems because they have single-stranded overhangs, which “look like” damaged DNA.

Why do we need telomerase?

Telomeres act as protective caps on the ends of our chromosomes and prevent damage and fusion with other chromosomes. A useful analogy for this can be the way an aglet of a shoelace prevents fraying, unravelling and tangling of laces.

Why are telomeres so important?

Telomeres, the specific DNA–protein structures found at both ends of each chromosome, protect genome from nucleolytic degradation, unnecessary recombination, repair, and interchromosomal fusion. Telomeres therefore play a vital role in preserving the information in our genome.