In the absence of telomerase activity, telomeres in most somatic cells tend to do what during successive divisions?

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Study for the DNA Replication and DNA Storage Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

In the absence of telomerase activity, telomeres in most somatic cells tend to do what during successive divisions?

Explanation:
When telomerase isn’t present, the ends of chromosomes shorten with every round of cell division. DNA polymerase can’t fully replicate the very ends, so a small portion of the telomere is lost each time. Telomeres protect chromosome ends, and once they become critically short, the cell typically stops dividing or undergoes programmed death. Since somatic cells lack active telomerase to rebuild these repeats, the shortening happens gradually across successive divisions. That’s why telomeres shorten with each division, rather than lengthening, staying the same, or disappearing all at once.

When telomerase isn’t present, the ends of chromosomes shorten with every round of cell division. DNA polymerase can’t fully replicate the very ends, so a small portion of the telomere is lost each time. Telomeres protect chromosome ends, and once they become critically short, the cell typically stops dividing or undergoes programmed death. Since somatic cells lack active telomerase to rebuild these repeats, the shortening happens gradually across successive divisions. That’s why telomeres shorten with each division, rather than lengthening, staying the same, or disappearing all at once.

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