Telomerase as a reverse transcriptase
Telomerase is best described as:
Answer B: explanation for every choice
A
Telomerase synthesizes DNA from an RNA template, not a DNA template.
B
Correct. Telomerase uses its RNA component as a template to extend the 3′ ends of chromosomes. It is active in germ cells, stem cells, and many cancers.
C
Primers are removed by RNase H and DNA polymerase activities.
D
Telomerase lengthens chromosome ends rather than shortening them.
TakeawayTelomerase: RNA-templated extension of chromosome ends.
Next question →
Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID bb36.