telomerase
/təˈlɑməˌreɪz/
noun
- An enzyme that helps maintain the length of telomeres, the protective ends of chromosomes, and is involved in cell aging and some cancers.
- The discovery of telomerase earned its researchers a Nobel Prize in medicine.
- High levels of telomerase activity are found in many types of tumor cells.
- Scientists study telomerase to understand how cells age and why some cells become cancerous.