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Multiple Choice
During DNA replication, what effect does the process have on the length of telomeres, which are non-coding regions at the ends of chromosomes?
A
Telomeres shorten with each round of replication.
B
Telomeres remain the same length during replication.
C
Telomeres are completely removed during replication.
D
Telomeres lengthen with each round of replication.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that telomeres are repetitive nucleotide sequences at the ends of chromosomes, which protect the chromosome from deterioration or fusion with neighboring chromosomes.
Recognize that during DNA replication, the enzyme DNA polymerase cannot fully replicate the very end of the linear DNA strand, leading to the gradual shortening of telomeres.
Learn that telomeres act as a buffer zone, allowing for the loss of DNA sequences without affecting the coding regions of the chromosome.
Explore the role of the enzyme telomerase, which can extend telomeres in certain cells, such as germ cells and stem cells, to counteract the shortening effect.
Consider the implications of telomere shortening, which is associated with aging and cell senescence, as cells lose their ability to divide after telomeres become critically short.