Telomerase activity is most pronounced in which cells?

• A. All cells equally
• B. Germ cells and stem cells
• C. Most somatic cells
• D. Bacterial cells only

Answer: (B)

Telomeres protect chromosome ends, and with each cell division they shorten because DNA polymerase can’t fully copy the ends. Telomerase adds telomeric repeats back onto the ends using its RNA template, counteracting this shortening. This activity is highest in cells that need to divide repeatedly or pass genetic information to offspring: germ cells and stem cells. In most somatic cells, telomerase is kept low or off, so telomeres shorten over time, contributing to aging and limited cell proliferation. Bacteria don’t have telomeres like eukaryotes, so telomerase isn’t a factor there.