[Campbell Biology P.378] Which of the following statements accurately describes the activity... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes the activity and significance of telomerase in eukaryotic cells, as discussed in the text?

  • A: Telomerase is highly active in most human somatic cells, preventing telomere shortening and thus contributing to cellular aging.
  • B: Telomerase ensures that telomeres remain at maximum length in germ cells, which is crucial for passing complete genetic information to offspring.
  • C: Telomerase functions by using a DNA template to synthesize new DNA at the 3' end of the lagging strand.
  • D: The inhibition of telomerase in cancerous somatic cells consistently leads to their self-destruction and is a fully effective cancer therapy.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'The activity of telomerase in germ cells results in telomeres of maximum length in the zygote.' It also highlights that if germ cell chromosomes shortened, essential genes would be missing from gametes, underscoring the importance of telomerase in maintaining genetic integrity for offspring. Conversely, telomerase is generally not active in most somatic cells, and its inhibition in cancer cells is an active but complex area of research.