Structure and function of telomeres
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, telomerase1-4, 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.
- Publication:
-
Nature
- Pub Date:
- April 1991
- DOI:
- 10.1038/350569a0
- Bibcode:
- 1991Natur.350..569B