Question

Telomerase is an enzyme which is a
A) Simple protein
B) RNA
C) Ribonucleoprotein
D) Repetitive DNA

Answer 1

Hint: To protect the chromosomal end from deterioration or fusion with the neighboring chromosome there is a repetitive DNA sequence region. It is maintained by the help of an enzyme that regulates this process.

Complete Answer:
- Telomerase is an enzyme that works as a cellular reverse transcriptase that adds DNA in the chromosomal. It involves the protection of chromosome endings from getting shorter during replication of DNA to avoid the loss of catastrophic DNA.
- In sperm cells and egg cells this enzyme adds more and more repetitive sequences in the end of DNA so that the telomere of the cells does not get shorter.
- The telomerase can be used for reversing cellular aging by holding the key to delaying. The function of this enzyme is not sufficient to restore the telomeric lost completely.
- If the action of telomerase is inhibited, the resulting cessation of length of telomerase will result in restriction of the tumor cells and its potential to replicate.
- Now, telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme that adds sequence in the 3’ end in the telomere part of the chromosome.

Hence, the correct answer is ‘C’. Ribonucleoprotein.

Note: You may get confused that the answer will be repetitive DNA as telomerase has the function to add repetitive DNA sequence to avoid the shortening of telomere but repetitive DNA will be the answer if it is asked about VNTR.