Structure and Function of Telomeres

Overview

Journal Nature

Specialty Science

Date 1991 Apr 18

PMID 1708110

Citations 1034

Authors

E H Blackburn

Affiliations

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Abstract

The DNA of telomeres--the terminal DNA-protein complexes of chromosomes--differs notably from other DNA sequences in both structure and function. Recent work has highlighted its remarkable mode of synthesis by the ribonucleoprotein reverse transcriptase, telomerase, as well as its ability to form unusual structures in vitro. Moreover, telomere synthesis by telomerase has been shown to be essential for telomere maintenance and long-term viability.

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