Definition
Repetitive sequences of DNA at the end of each chromosome that act as protective caps to prevent deterioration.
Use in clinical context
There are no genes within telomeres; instead they are important for genome structure and function. If telomeres are not maintained properly, conditions such as dyskeratosis congenita and cancer can develop. Telomeres are highly repetitive stretches of DNA which makes accurately sequencing this region difficult.
Related terms
Cancer | Chromosome | Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) | Genome | Sequence
