Telomere facts for kids
A telomere is like a tiny cap at the very end of each chromosome in your body. Think of chromosomes as long strings of DNA that carry all your genetic information. Telomeres protect these ends, just like the plastic tips on shoelaces stop them from fraying. Without telomeres, the ends of your chromosomes could get damaged or stick to other chromosomes, which would be a big problem for your cells!
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What are Telomeres Made Of?
Telomeres are built from special bits of DNA that repeat over and over again. These repeating parts are called 'repetitive DNA'. When your cells divide to make new cells, they need to copy all their DNA. However, the special tools (called enzymes) that copy DNA can't quite reach the very end of each chromosome.
Why are Telomeres Important?
If cells divided without telomeres, they would lose tiny pieces of their chromosomes each time. This would mean losing important genetic information. Telomeres act like a "buffer" or a shield. They are designed to be used up a little bit during each cell division. This way, the important genetic information on the chromosome stays safe.
After a cell divides, a special enzyme called telomerase helps to rebuild the telomeres. It adds back the lost pieces of DNA, making the telomeres long again. This process is very important for cells that need to divide many times, like stem cells.
Who Discovered Telomeres?
The amazing work on telomeres was recognized with a huge award! In 2008, three scientists won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries about telomeres and the enzyme telomerase.
- Elizabeth Blackburn from Australia
- Carol Greider from the United States
- Jack Szostak from the United States
Their research helped us understand more about how cells age and how they stay healthy.
Images for kids
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Shelterin helps telomeres form a special loop shape.
See also
In Spanish: Telómero para niños
