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🔬general biology i review

TERT

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

TERT, or Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase, is the catalytic subunit of the enzyme telomerase, which is responsible for adding nucleotide sequences to the ends of chromosomes known as telomeres. This process is crucial for maintaining chromosome integrity and stability during DNA replication in eukaryotic cells, especially in stem cells and germ cells where cell division is frequent.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. TERT is vital for the maintenance of telomeres, as it helps counteract the natural shortening of telomeres that occurs during DNA replication.
  2. Mutations in the TERT gene can lead to various diseases, including some forms of cancer and genetic disorders associated with premature aging.
  3. In most somatic cells, TERT expression is low or absent, leading to progressive telomere shortening and cellular senescence.
  4. Stem cells and many cancer cells often exhibit high levels of TERT expression, allowing them to maintain telomere length and continue dividing indefinitely.
  5. Research into TERT has implications for aging, cancer treatment, and regenerative medicine, as understanding its function can lead to potential therapeutic strategies.

Review Questions

  • How does TERT function in relation to telomeres during DNA replication in eukaryotic cells?
    • TERT acts as the catalytic subunit of telomerase, adding repetitive nucleotide sequences to the ends of telomeres. This action counteracts the normal shortening of telomeres that occurs during DNA replication due to the end-replication problem. By maintaining telomere length, TERT plays a crucial role in ensuring that eukaryotic cells can divide without losing vital genetic information.
  • Discuss the implications of TERT mutations in relation to cellular aging and cancer development.
    • Mutations in the TERT gene can lead to inadequate telomerase activity, resulting in shortened telomeres that contribute to cellular aging and senescence. Conversely, mutations that enhance TERT activity can enable uncontrolled cell division, a hallmark of cancer development. The dual role of TERT in both aging and tumorigenesis makes it a significant focus for research aimed at developing therapeutic interventions for age-related diseases and cancer.
  • Evaluate the potential therapeutic applications of targeting TERT in cancer treatment and regenerative medicine.
    • Targeting TERT presents promising therapeutic opportunities in both cancer treatment and regenerative medicine. In cancer therapy, inhibiting TERT may limit the ability of cancer cells to maintain their telomeres, thus promoting cell death. Conversely, enhancing TERT activity in regenerative medicine could help improve tissue repair and longevity by maintaining telomere length in stem cells. Understanding how to effectively modulate TERT could lead to significant advancements in treating age-related diseases and improving regenerative therapies.